The Queensland Government is offering a reward of $500,000, to anyone who is able to provide fresh information into the 1993 disappearance and suspected murder of 71-year-old Leslie Ball.
Mr Ball was last seen around midday on April 18 1993 at his property in Annandale, before being reported missing by family members.
Authorities located his vehicle abandoned at the Townsville Railway Station on May 24, and his burnt out trailer and possessions in bushland in Stuart on July 9, following information from a member of the public.
Following an investigation into the 71-year-old’s disappearance, it was revealed a train ticket to Brisbane was booked via phone for Mr Ball on April 17, the day before he was reported missing.
The ticket also included travel from Brisbane to Dalby on the Westlander Train.
Investigators say the ticket for the Brisbane-bound train was collected at Townsville Station, and a signature forged.
The seat assigned to Mr Ball was marked as not occupied as the train departed.
During a coronial inquest held in 1994-1995, the Coroner found that it was deliberately made to appear that Mr Ball travelled on both train journeys.
On June 13 2023, the Deputy State Coroner found it was likely Mr Ball was deceased, which likely happened on or around April 18 1993.
Detective Senior Sergeant Tara Kentwell from the Cold Case Investigation Team says they believe Mr Ball’s disappearance is suspicious, and there are people who know what happened.
“Leslie’s disappearance was out of character and he had upcoming plans in life he was looking forward to with the purchase of a house in Cardwell,” Detective Senior Sergeant Kentwell says.
“A $500,000 reward is now in place for information that may lead to the conviction of the person or persons responsible for Leslie’s disappearance. Any information no matter how small or insignificant it may seem, could be the key to bringing closure for Leslie’s family,” she says.
Mr Ball’s daughter, Le-Chelle Ball, said her family is extremely hopeful someone will have the information needed to provide them answers.
“Almost 31 years after my father’s death, it would mean everything to know what happened and have some closure,” Le-Chelle says.
“We ask anyone who knew my father, if you know what happened to him, if you know something, speak to police.”
