Toni Tiki cold case: NSW Police announce $1m reward for information about Maroubra mum’s death
The family of a young mother murdered almost 30 years ago have made an emotional appeal to the public to help solve the cold case and bring her killer to justice.
Toni Tiki, 26, was killed as he walked home from a New Year’s Eve party at the South Maroubra Surf Life Saving Club in Sydney’s south-east in the early hours of January 1, 1996.
She left the party with a male friend who said she would walk her home, but then decided to return to the party, leaving her to walk home alone. It would be the last time she would be seen alive.
A friend reported Ms Tiki missing to police the next day after the mother of the two children 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 dumped in undergrowth near the surf club where she had spent her last hours alive.
Toni Tiki (pictured centre) was murdered on January 1, 1996 after returning from a New Year’s Eve party held at the South Maroubra Surf Life Saving Club, in Sydney’s south-east.
The family of Ms Tiki (pictured centre) called on anyone with information about her death to come forward and help police with their investigation.
A coroner found Ms Tiki had suffered significant injuries, but her death remained unsolved after the investigation was handed over to homicide detectives.
On Thursday, NSW Police announced a $1 million reward to help detectives solve the case, joining Ms Tiki’s children and other family members.
Her son Michael Hinds broke down in tears as he begged anyone with information to come forward.
‘For almost thirty years our family has wanted answers. “My mother’s murder left a big hole in our hearts,” he said.
“Closure is not something we will ever get, but we can get the answers and justice we all desire.”
His sister Shannon Hall was almost nine when her mother was murdered.
“Whatever is done in the dark will always come to the light,” Mrs. Hall said.
“The night she was killed, we were robbed. Robbed of experiences, of the fact that she was here to navigate this life.”
NSW Police Homicide Squad Chief Inspector Danny Doherty said the 28-year-old cold case will be fully re-examined, with forensic testing included as part of the renewed investigation.
The reward will help investigators determine 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 help their investigation so detectives, including forensic officers, can piece together what happened the night Ms Tiki (pictured centre) was murdered.
Shannon (photo left) was not yet there when her mother Toni was murdered
Ms Tiki’s remains were found by police in bushland (pictured), near the surf rescue club
Initial investigations by police who examined Ms Tiki’s body at the scene led officers to believe the attack on the victim was sexually motivated.
“We hope the $1 million reward will encourage anyone who may have information about Toni’s death to come forward and speak to police,” Detective Doherty said.
NSW Police Minister Yasmin Catley added: “This announcement reinforces that even after almost 30 years, NSW Police investigators remain committed to finding justice for Toni.
“The message is: if you have information, no matter how small or insignificant you think it is, come forward.”
The investigation into Ms Tiki’s death comes as Australia struggles with rising cases of violence against women, which Prime Minister Anthony Albanese declared a “national crisis”, with 27 women killed in 2024 alone.
The Prime Minister has pledged $925 million in funding to tackle the issue, after convening an emergency national Cabinet meeting with state and territory leaders on Wednesday to discuss the issue.
Anyone with information about Ms Tiki’s death is urged to contact Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000.
If you or someone you know is experiencing, or is at risk of experiencing, domestic, family or sexual violence, please call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732.
Shannon (left) and Michael (right) were robbed of their mother Toni at a young age
“Closure is not something we will ever get, but we can get answers and the justice we all long for,” said Toni’s son Michael (pictured as boy)