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MURDERED
Good Quality(67/100)
$250,000AUD reward
Rachel Antonio

Rachel Antonio

Bowen, Queensland
25 April 1998
16 years old
Overview

Rachel Joy Antonio, a 16-year-old girl, vanished from Bowen, Queensland, on Anzac Day, 1998. She was last seen walking towards a beach. Despite trials and inquests, no one has been convicted.

Full Description

Rachel Antonio disappeared after being dropped off at a cinema. A coronial inquest named a suspect as the likely killer, but without a body, the case remains officially unsolved. A $250,000 reward is offered.

Timeline Event Legend

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Disappearance

Rachel Antonio Disappears

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16-year-old Rachel Antonio was last seen on Anzac Day in Bowen, Queensland. She was dropped off at a local cinema but never went inside, and was last seen on the Queens Beach foreshore.

Disappearance

Reported Missing

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Rachel's parents reported her missing when she failed to return home after the movie was supposed to end.

Conviction

Robert Hytch Convicted of Manslaughter

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Robert Hytch, a 25-year-old surf lifesaver who was having a secret relationship with Rachel, was charged with her murder and subsequently convicted of manslaughter.

Acquittal

Manslaughter Conviction Overturned, Hytch Acquitted

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Hytch's manslaughter conviction was overturned on appeal. He was retried for murder in 2001 and was acquitted.

Court Hearing

Coronial Inquest Begins

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A coronial inquest into Rachel Antonio's disappearance and suspected death began in Bowen.

Court Hearing

Coroner Finds Hytch Responsible

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Coroner David O'Connell found that Robert Hytch had caused a fatal injury to Rachel during an altercation and had disposed of her body. He referred the matter to the Director of Public Prosecutions to consider perjury charges against Hytch.

Investigation Update

Police Consider Tip Search

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Queensland Police announced they were considering excavating the Bowen rubbish tip in search of Rachel's remains.

Court Hearing

Supreme Court Upholds Inquest Findings

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The Supreme Court of Queensland dismissed an application by Robert Hytch to have the adverse findings of the coronial inquest overturned.

Reward Offered

$250,000 Reward Remains

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On the 25th anniversary of her disappearance, it was noted that a $250,000 reward for information leading to the conviction of her killer remains active.

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Case Information
Status
Murdered
Location
Bowen, Queensland
Date
25 Apr 1998
Year
1998
Victim
Rachel Joy Antonio
Age at Time
16 years old
Related Resources

If you have information about this case, please contact your local police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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