After 48 years the two men involved in the murder of teenage beauty queen, Bronwynne Richardson, have been named by the New South Wales (NSW) Deputy State Coroner.
The NSW Deputy State Coroner, Carmel Forbes told the Coroner’s Court on Monday, October 25 that Richardson’s cousin, Colin Newey and his associate Maxwell Martin, were involved in her 1973 murder. Both Newey and Martin are now deceased.
Four men have been charged in connection with the murder previously, however, none have resulted in a conviction. In 2014, Newey was arrested in connection to the rape and murder of Richardson but the charges were dropped before he was due to appear in court.
Bronwynne Richardson was abducted and murdered in 1973. Source: NSW Police Force.
Richardson was abducted on Smollett Street, Albury, shortly after 7pm on October 12, 1973. She was seen being dragged into a vehicle, described as being similar to a pale green and white 1961 FB Holden station wagon.
The body of the 17-year-old was recovered from Horseshoe Lagoon, off the Murray River, two days later on October 14. She had been physically and sexually assaulted before her body was dumped in the river. In 1975, a coronial inquest found that Ms Richardson died of strangulation and drowning.
The sister of Bronwynne Richardson, Fiona Hume, told the ABC they expected the court’s findings.
“Death may silence the monsters but it hasn’t silenced the truth,” she said.
Hume also condemned that the violence her sister suffered still continues today.
“Even in the modern-day, what happened to her continues to happen,” she said.
“I think that if anything, she would like to not be forgotten.
“People can continue to support women and break this cycle that continues, the violence.”
FAMILY VIOLENCE DISCLAIMER: If you are concerned about domestic and family violence in your family, friends or workplace, contact the National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service on 1800 737 732, Mensline Australia on 1300 789 978, Relationships Australia on 1300 364 277 or Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14 for confidential support, advice and referral that will help you explore your options.