QLD:Breakthrough in decade-old coast murder

AAP General News (Australia)
04-15-2011
QLD:Breakthrough in decade-old coast murder

BRISBANE, April 15 AAP - Gold Coast police have had a breakthrough in a decade-old murder case.

A tip-off through Crime Stoppers about the death of Darren Britza has given police
vital information about the murder.

Mr Britza's skeletal remains were found in 2008 under a bridge at Boyland in the Gold
Coast Hinterland after record rainfall uncovered the grave site.

Extensive investigations led detectives to a Southport industrial area identified as
the area where Mr Britza was murdered in 2001 before being disposed of under the bridge.

Police say the tip-off gave them more information about the movements of a white Holden
Commodore station wagon and a blue Holden Commodore sedan seen on Minnie Street, Southport,
near where the murder took place.

The station wagon had been allegedly sighted in the Coomera area and was later found
burnt out near Canungra.

Detective Acting Inspector Lincoln McLeod has thanked everyone who has come forward
and provided valuable information, especially the recent caller who provided specific
details.

"This has been a protracted and thorough investigation," he said.

"Along with our current information we believe the recent caller to Crime Stoppers
may be able to assist further, so we are appealing for him to call back."

In 2009, police charged a man and a woman, aged 36 and 37, respectively, with murder.

They remain in custody awaiting trial.

Inquiries are continuing on the Gold Coast and in Bundaberg.

AAP crh/jhp

KEYWORD: BRITZA

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