The family of a young mother murdered almost three decades ago have made an emotional appeal to the public to help solve the cold case and bring her killer to justice.
Toni Tiki, 26, died while walking home from a New Year’s Eve party held at the South Maroubra Surf Life Saving Club in Sydney’s southeast in the early hours of January 1, 1996.
She left the party with a friend who said he would walk her home, but then decided to return to the party, leaving her to return home alone. It would be the last time they would see her alive.
A friend reported Tiki missing to police the next day after the mother of two could not be contacted or located.
A three-day search came to a tragic end on January 5 when police found Ms Tiki’s body lying in bushland near the surf club where she had spent her last hours alive.
Toni Tiki (pictured center) was murdered while returning from a New Year’s Eve party at the South Maroubra Surf Life Saving Club in Sydney’s south-east on January 1, 1996.
Ms Tiki’s family (pictured centre) pleaded with anyone with information about her death to come forward and help police with their inquiries.
A coroner found that Ms. Tiki suffered significant injuries; However, her death remains unsolved after the investigation was turned over to homicide detectives.
On Thursday, New South Wales Police announced a $1 million reward to help detectives solve the case, which was joined by Ms Tiki’s children and other family members.
His son Michael Hinds broke down in tears as he pleaded with anyone with information to come forward.
‘For almost thirty years, our family has been waiting for answers. “My mother’s murder has left a huge hole in all of our hearts,” she stated.
“Closure is not something we will ever get, but we can get the answers and justice we all crave.”
His sister Shannon Hall was almost nine years old when their mother was killed.
“Whatever is done in the dark will always come to light,” said Mrs. Hall.
“The night they killed her, they robbed us. Deprived of experiences, of having her here to navigate this life.
NSW Police Homicide Squad Detective Superintendent Danny Doherty said the 28-year-old cold case will be fully reinvestigated and forensic evidence will be included as part of the renewed investigation.
The reward will help detectives piece together exactly what happened.
The location where Ms. Tiki’s body was found is an area frequented by locals who know how to navigate the area.
Police hope the $1 million reward will aid their investigations to help detectives, including forensic officers, piece together what happened the night Ms Tiki (pictured centre) was killed.
Shannon (pictured left) was not yet one when her mother Toni was killed.
Ms Tiki’s remains were found by police in bushland (pictured) near the surf lifesaving club.
Initial police investigations examining Ms Tiki’s body at the scene have led officers to believe the attack on the victim was sexually motivated.
“We hope the $1 million reward will encourage anyone who still has information about Toni’s death to come forward and speak to police,” Detective Doherty said.
NSW Police Minister Yasmin Catley added: “This announcement reinforces the fact that even after almost 30 years, NSW Police Force investigators remain committed to finding justice for Toni.
“The message is: if you have any information, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem, please come forward.”
The investigation into Tiki’s death comes as Australia faces rising cases of violence against women, which was declared a “national crisis” by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, with 27 women murdered in 2024 alone.
The Prime Minister committed $925 million in funding to address the issue after calling an emergency national cabinet meeting with state and territory leaders on Wednesday to discuss the matter.
Anyone with information in relation to Ms Tiki’s death is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
If you or someone you know is experiencing or is at risk of domestic, family or sexual violence, please call 1800RESPECT in 1800 737 732.
Shannon (left) and Michael (right) were robbed of their mother Toni when they were little.
“Closure is not something we will ever get, but we can get the answers and the justice we all long for,” said Toni’s son Michael (pictured as a child).
