The Murder of Mima Joan McKim-Hill

Mima Joan McKim-Hill, a 21-year-old Australian woman, tragically endured abduction, sexual assault, and strangulation on March 9, 1967. For more than half a century, authorities have diligently pursued the perpetrator responsible for the abduction, rape, and murder of the young woman.

Mima McKim-Hill’s Disappearance and Background:

On the ill-fated day of March 9, 1967, Mima left her residence in Rockhampton at 8 a.m., embarking on a journey of 114 kilometers southwards towards Calliope. Employed as a home advisor for a regional electricity board, her responsibilities involved traversing various locations throughout South-East Queensland, advocating for electricity services, and showcasing new electrical appliances to customers.

Unfortunately, her murder remains an unresolved cold case.

During the events leading to her murder, Mima was in the company of her manager, parting ways in Calliope with intentions to reunite later and journey back to Rockhampton together.

The last sighting of Mima occurred as she departed from Calliope at 11 a.m., heading towards Gladstone.

The next morning, Mima’s vehicle was discovered abandoned on a dirt road, approximately three kilometers north of the small town of Benaraby, the old bypass route for Gladstone.

Investigation and Cold Case:

Approximately two weeks after her disappearance, on March 26, 1967, Mima’s lifeless body was tragically discovered in a small waterhole near Collard Creek, close to Biloela, around 80 kilometers away from where her vehicle had been abandoned. Disturbingly, evidence revealed she had been subjected to both strangulation and sexual assault.

On the evening Mima went missing, an eyewitness reported seeing a parked car on the old bypass road, with significant individuals near it, but law enforcement was unable to locate them.

Despite efforts, the investigation gradually turned cold due to a lack of tangible evidence and witnesses.

Reopening the Case and Pursuing Leads:

In 2008, Mima’s case was reopened following a petition from former colleague Shirley Eldridge and Rockhampton resident Trevor Sorensen. This prompted authorities to reexamine the circumstances surrounding the crime.

One line of inquiry explored the potential involvement of Ivan Milat, a notorious serial killer, and two of his brothers, but this theory was ultimately dismissed.

The Theory Involving Johann Erich Seefuss:

Eldridge and Sorensen suggest Johann Erich Seefuss as the primary suspect, proposing an opportunistic attack. Despite their theory being investigated by the police, no charges were filed, and the case remains unresolved.

Probable Initial Contact and Key Evidence:

Initial contact likely occurred on the old bypass road, supported by the location of Mima’s car and the witness who observed her parked on the roadside.

The key evidence revolves around Mima’s abandoned car, suggesting the attack did not occur inside it.

Location of Mima’s Body and Possible Murder Sites:

The exact location of the assault and murder remains unknown. Law enforcement can reconstruct the likely path taken by Mima and her assailant, aiding in narrowing down potential murder sites.

Mima’s body was found 80 kilometers away from her car, indicating she was either murdered near the car and her body moved, or she was abducted and taken to a remote location for the crime.

Ongoing Search for Answers:

The murder of Mima McKim-Hill remains unsolved. A reward of $250,000 has been offered for any details leading to the identification, arrest, and conviction of a suspect involved in the crime.

Advancements in technology, coupled with law enforcement determination, may offer opportunities to reexamine evidence and pursue fresh leads. The hope is that Rockhampton’s oldest cold case can be solved, providing closure to Mima’s loved ones and justice to her memory.