Police offer $500,000 reward for NSW teen’s 1988 murder

The family of an Aboriginal teenage boy found dead on train tracks in NSW 30 years ago hope a $500,000 reward will bring them some closure.

Mark Anthony Haines’ body was discovered near Tamworth after a night out with his friends and girlfriend on January 16, 1988.

NSW Police on Tuesday relaunched an appeal for information over the suspected murder, offering a substantial reward if it leads to a conviction.

Family and friends stood outside Tamworth Police Station (pictured) calling on anyone with information to come forward

‘Someone knows something and we need those people to come forward,’ acting superintendent Jeffrey Budd told reporters.

The 17-year-old’s uncle, Craig Craigie, says it has been a long and arduous journey for the family.

‘We hope that this reward will encourage anyone living in guilt over the last 30 years to finally come forward,’ he said.

‘Hopefully it will bring some closure and some natural justice.’

Acting Superintendent Jeffrey Budd told reporters outside Tamworth Police Station today that the reward hopes new details will help the family find closure 

A traditional smoking ceremony and service held for the Tamworth teen on Tuesday 

Two separate post-mortems concluded the teenager’s death was caused by massive head injuries consistent with being struck by a train.

But a coronial inquest later returned an open finding, and it’s believed a stolen car found less than 2km from his body may be linked to the case.

‘It has always been the family’s belief that there were other people involved with Mark at the time of his death and evidence shows that,’ Mr Craigie said.

He noted that the case could have been handled a lot better, labelling their attitudes at actions at the time ‘mediocre’ and at times damaging.

Mark’s final remains will also be returned to the Gomeroi country, with a cremation being held by his family later in the day.