Queensland police have once again stepped up their efforts to track down a suspected double murderer and the man previously known as ‘Australia’s most wanted criminal’.
On December 23, 1991 Peter George Wade and Maureen Ambrose were shot and killed in a unit in Whelan Street, Surfers Paradise. Police commenced Operation Rock and during the investigation established two people were responsible for the premeditated attack.
On March 12 1992, Ronald Henry Thomas was located in New South Wales by police and charged with his part in the murders. He was extradited to Queensland later sentenced to a double life term. A warrant for John Victor Bobak was issued at the time, however he has never been located.
“For some time there was a theory Mr Bobak may be deceased, however we believe this not to be the case,” Detective Superintendent Steve Holahan of the Homicide Group said.
Police are continuing their investigations with the belief that John Bobak may still be in Queensland or interstate. Mr Bobak was known to reside in Queensland and New South Wales prior to the murders of Wade and Ambrose.
“Now aged 63, Mr Bobak would have certainly aged somewhat however what we believe to be the key are some fairly distinctive tattoos he would most likely still have,” he said.
Photos of John Victor Bobak’s tattoos. On his lower left arm a horse. On his upper right arm an eagle and a skull which covers his shoulder. The word “Ford” is on his right lower arm and an eagle’s head and hula girl on the front. On his right upper arm is a spider’s web (on shoulder) and a snake on the front. On his left upper back is a skull. On his right upper back is a panther and left upper chest a Thai dancer. Also on his right upper chest is a Thai dancer. On his right upper leg is a naked woman (above knee) and on his right wrist is a snake.
With the assistance of photographic specialists, police have also prepared aged progression images of Mr Bobak in the hope that a version of his current appearance may jog the memory of a neighbor or member of the community.
“We continue to work with law enforcement interstate in the hopes of tracking down Mr Bobak and questioning him over his alleged involvement in this incident. We urge anyone in the community who may have information to call us or Crime Stoppers. Even if you have the slightest suspicion, it is important you come forward,” Detective Superintendent Holahan said.
The Minister for Police and Corrective Services has approved a reward of $250,000 be offered for information which leads to the apprehension of John Victor Bobak. In addition, an appropriate indemnity from prosecution will be recommended for any accomplice, not being the person who actually committed the crime, who first gives such information. The allocation of the $250,000 reward will be at the sole discretion of the Commissioner of the Police Service.
Anyone with information which could assist with this matter should contact Crime Stoppers anonymously via 1800 333 000 or crimestoppers.com.au 24hrs a day.
Crime Stoppers is a registered charity and community volunteer organisation working in partnership with the Queensland Police Service.
For all non-urgent police reporting or general police inquiries contact Policelink on 131 444 or Policelink.qld.gov.au 24hrs a day.