In every police jurisdiction in Australia, there are open and unsolved cases. In an ongoing series, the APJ highlights different cases from all over the country in the hope of uncovering a clue – a lead that helps end the mystery and bring some form of closure for the victims’ loved ones.

It’s hoped the nationwide circulation of the APJ gives these cases broader coverage; someone, somewhere, may know something.

Bryan Hodgkinson was reported missing by his wife, Elaine, on the morning of 10 September 1987 after he failed to return home from his shift as a taxi driver. Mr Hodgkinson, then aged 48, had worked for Queensland’s Bundaberg Taxi Company for three years.

That same morning, Mr Hodkinson’s body was found in a remote location off Goodwood Road, Goodwood (now known as Peirson Road), which led to a youth home called the Peirson Memorial Home. He had sustained injuries to his head and throat and several stab wounds to his torso.

Mr Hodgkinson was due to finish work at 1:00am on 10 September. He was last confirmed alive at 12.31am when he received a fare via taxi radio for a passenger named ‘Sykes’ from the corner of Targo and Burnett Street, Bundaberg. It is not known if he collected this person.

Mr Hodgkinson’s taxi – QLD registration T26-053 – was found abandoned outside 7 Beatrice Street, Bundaberg, later the same morning. There was no damage to the car, but the keys and coin dispenser were missing.

Given the location of his body was approximately 32 km from the Bundaberg CBD, police believe that someone involved with his murder then drove the taxi back to Bundaberg.

Several persons of interest were investigated but were later eliminated from the inquiry, and the matter remains unsolved. An arrest was made in 2009, however that prosecution was discontinued.

The coronial inquest in the Bundaberg Coroners court in 2018 was inconclusive as to the circumstances of Mr Hodgkinson’s death and who might have been responsible.

After a recent extensive review of the case, including enhanced forensic testing of exhibits seized from both Mr Hodgkinson’s taxi and the vicinity of his body, detectives are convinced there are people who know what happened to Mr Hodgkinson.

Detective Senior Sergeant Tara Kentwell from the Cold Case Investigation Team said a reward of $500,000, for information that led to the conviction of the person or persons responsible for Mr Hodgkinson’s murder, might prompt someone to come forward.

Detective Senior Sergeant Kentwell said police believe Mr Hodgkinson’s murder can still be solved, “irrespective of the passage of time”.

“New and enhanced forensic testing of exhibits seized from both Bryan’s taxi and the vicinity of his body have sparked the current investigation into this matter.

“Police would like to speak with the person with the name ‘Sykes’ who called Bundaberg Taxis at 12:31 am on September 10, 1987, requesting a taxi pickup from the corner of Targo and Burnett Streets, Bundaberg.

“We are seeking any person who may have seen Bryan’s taxi travelling out of and back into Bundaberg CBD in the early hours of 10 September 1987 to contact police.”

Anyone who has any information, no matter how small or irrelevant they think it might be, is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online on the Crime Stoppers website.

EDITOR’S NOTE: If you have a case that you believe may benefit from exposure in ‘Unsolved’ please email Bouda@apjl.com.au