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Unsolved Opal Miner's Death Attracts $1 Million Reward
Police and the NSW government have doubled the reward after earlier appeals failed to solve the 30-year-old case.
- On Wednesday, May 20, 2026, New South Wales Police and the family of Paul Murray announced a $1 million reward for information about his suspicious death more than 30 years ago. Brothers Simon Murray and David Murray joined Detective Superintendent Joe Doueihi at Dubbo Police Station to appeal for leads.
- Murray, a 40-year-old opal miner, was last seen alive on March 19, 1995, on the outskirts of Lightning Ridge. Graziers discovered his naked, decomposing body in scrubland about two kilometres from his campsite in April 1995.
- Evidence from the scene included a towel and burrs in Murray's feet, suggesting he left in a hurry. His 'black book' containing records of loans to Lightning Ridge locals was never recovered, leaving detectives unable to identify who owed him money.
- Detective Superintendent Doueihi urged the public to contact Crime Stoppers, noting the investigation reached a stalemate despite previous $500,000 rewards. The case was referred to the Unsolved Homicide Unit in 2012, which established Strike Force Huddleston.
- "Since his death we have been searching for answers," Simon Murray said, emphasizing the family's 31-year struggle for closure. The family hopes this significant incentive will finally bring someone forward with information to solve the cold case.
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Million-dollar reward offered in 1995 opal fields death case
The NSW Government and NSW Police Force have announced a $1 million reward for information relating to the suspicious death of Paul Murray in Lightning Ridge in 1995. Mr Murray (pictured), then aged 40, owned an opal mining field about eight kilometres north-west of Lightning Ridge and lived in a camp at the site. He was last seen alive on Sunday 19 March in 1995 by a local, who had picked up Mr Murray and dropped him off on the outskirts of tow…
Sydney Morning HeraldReposted by 
The Age
The AgePolice offer $1 million reward to unearth secrets of opal field death
Paul Murray’s body was found naked kilometres from his Lightning Ridge mining camp more than 30 years ago. His family hopes the increased reward will help find those responsible.
·North Sydney, Australia
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Total News Sources14
Leaning Left10Leaning Right2Center2Last UpdatedBias Distribution72% Left
Bias Distribution
- 72% of the sources lean Left
72% Left
L 72%
14%
14%
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