Nearly a quarter-century has elapsed, and the identity of the assailant who fatally shot the 17-year-old at his parents' service station remains shrouded in mystery.
Presently, within the framework of the Unsolved Homicide Unit, the case involving the murdered teenager Michael 'Billy' Hegedus is slated for a formal review, as confirmed by a spokesperson from the NSW Police. Shockwaves reverberated through Inverell in northern NSW on October 23, 1996, when Billy was discovered critically injured, bearing gunshot wounds.
His mother, Patricia, and step-father, Phil Page, fervently appeal for information regarding the perpetrator of the suspected robbery gone awry. "Any information, regardless of its magnitude, could constitute the missing piece of the puzzle," emphasized the family. Emergency services were summoned to the rear of the roadhouse on Warialda Road around 9 pm on October 23.
Despite being swiftly transported to the hospital, Billy succumbed to his injuries later that evening. A post-mortem examination revealed that he had perished from two gunshot wounds to the chest and stomach. Despite the efforts of local police, assisted by the Homicide Squad, the assailant—armed with a pump-action .22 caliber rifle, who absconded with $40,000—has eluded conviction. A man faced charges in 1998; however, no convictions have been secured, stated the NSW Police spokesperson.
A reward of $100,000 from the NSW Government still stands, awaiting information that could lead to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible for Billy's demise. Those possessing relevant information are encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000. Billy, in the midst of Year 12 and preparing for his HSC, saw his life tragically cut short.
Following his untimely demise, friends fondly remembered him as "a truly good kid" with an infectious smile. Basketball and tennis were his passions, and he harbored aspirations of attending the University of New England, where he had sought early entry to pursue studies in primary school teaching.
The family harbors hope that this plea might prompt someone, even with the slightest bit of information, to come forward and bring closure to this unresolved case.
The New South Wales Police Force has recently declared a reward of $1 million for any information leading to the apprehension and conviction of the individual(s) accountable for the tragic demise of Michael "Billy" Hegedus nearly three decades ago.
.jpg)
Notable Details:
- Law enforcement is reopening the investigation into the death of Billy Hegedus.
- The seventeen-year-old was fatally shot at a service station roadhouse in Inverell back in 1996.
- Authorities urge anyone with pertinent information to come forth.
On the fateful evening of October 23, 1996—27 years ago this Monday—emergency responders rushed to a service station roadhouse in Inverell, located in northern New South Wales, following reports of a young boy being shot.
Billy, aged merely 17, was promptly transported to the hospital but, regrettably, succumbed to his injuries shortly thereafter.
A subsequent post-mortem examination revealed that he had perished from two gunshot wounds to his chest and abdomen.
Approximately $36,000 was reported missing from the Warialda Road service station at the time, indicating a probable botched robbery, though the funds have never been recovered.
In May of 1997, the NSW government announced a reward of $100,000 for any information that could lead to a conviction in Billy's case.
A year later, charges were brought against an individual, yet no convictions have been secured since then. Detective Superintendent Danny Doherty, leading the State Crime Command's Homicide Squad, believes there are individuals who possess crucial information.
"Billy's untimely demise was the result of a heedless and heartless robbery attempt that deprived his family of a lifetime with their beloved son," remarked Detective Superintendent Doherty.
"Billy was a youthful individual passionate about sports and nurturing aspirations of becoming an educator.
"Although he did not deserve such a fate, his family deserves closure, which is why we are urging for assistance today."
Seeking Justice for Billy
During a recent press briefing, Patricia Page, Billy's mother, fondly reminisced about her son's radiant smile and his friendly demeanor towards everyone.
"He had a mischievous streak, adored sports, and cherished his family," she reflected.
"With our family, his memory lives on. Even my grandchildren know about Billy. They refer to him as Uncle Billy.
"While nothing can bring Billy back, we yearn for justice on his behalf. He was but a teenager... he did not deserve this fate."
"$36,000 was an insignificant sum to claim the life of a seventeen-year-old. They could have taken the money without resorting to violence.
"We are aware that someone out there possesses vital information. We hope that someone will recollect and step forward."
Yasmin Catley, the Minister for Police and Counter Terrorism, expressed hopes that the heightened reward would incentivize individuals to reconsider any information they might possess, potentially aiding in bringing closure to Billy's family.
"No piece of information should be dismissed as inconsequential. Something that might have seemed insignificant before could be the crucial detail needed to solve this puzzle."
Nearly twenty-five years have passed, yet the identity of the individual responsible for fatally shooting a seventeen-year-old at his family's service station remains cloaked in uncertainty.
Presently, within the precincts of the Unsolved Homicide Unit, the case of Michael 'Billy' Hegedus is slated for a thorough review, as confirmed by a spokesperson from the NSW Police. In October 1996, shockwaves rippled through Inverell in northern NSW when Billy was discovered gravely wounded, bearing gunshot injuries.
His parents, Patricia and Phil Page, passionately implore anyone with information regarding the perpetrator of the suspected robbery-gone-awry to come forward. "Any piece of information, no matter how seemingly trivial, could be the missing link," stressed the family. Emergency services were summoned to the rear of the roadhouse on Warialda Road around 9 pm on October 23.
Despite prompt medical attention, Billy succumbed to his injuries later that night. A subsequent post-mortem examination concluded that he had perished from two gunshot wounds to the chest and abdomen. Despite the tireless efforts of local law enforcement, aided by the Homicide Squad, the perpetrator—armed with a pump-action .22 caliber rifle, who fled with $40,000—has managed to evade justice. While a man faced charges in 1998, no convictions have been secured, according to a spokesperson from the NSW Police.
The $100,000 reward offered by the NSW Government still stands, awaiting information that could lead to the apprehension and conviction of the individual responsible for Billy's demise. Those possessing pertinent information are urged to contact Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000. Billy, on the cusp of completing Year 12 and preparing for his HSC, saw his promising life tragically cut short.
Following his premature demise, friends fondly remembered him as "a genuinely good-natured youth" with an infectious smile. Basketball and tennis were his passions, and he nurtured aspirations of attending the University of New England, where he had sought early entry to pursue studies in primary school teaching.
The family holds onto hope that this appeal might compel someone, even with the slightest inkling of information, to step forward and provide closure to this unresolved case.
0 Comments