Reward to solve suspected murder

A reward has been issued for missing Malmsbury woman Patricia Ann Gay. Picture: Police Media Source: Supplied

POLICE are offering a $100,000 reward to help solve the suspected murder of a 55-year-old woman from central Victoria.

Patricia Ann Gay disappeared 12 months ago from her property in the small town of Malmsbury about 100km northwest of Melbourne.

Detectives said the disappearance was "suspicious" and are offering the reward in the belief that people in the area know what happened

Ms Gay was wearing pyjamas when she was last seen by her daughter about 10.30pm on Sunday, March 11 at her Malmsbury property.

She was reported missing the next morning.

Ms Gay was being treated for a number of medical conditions and needed at least one type of drug "virtually constantly".

Homicide Detective Inspector Michael Roberts said the reward was offered for information which led to a conviction.

"A number of stages of the investigation caused us to believe that (she has been murdered)," Det Insp Roberts said.

He said Ms Gay had only lived in Malmsbury "for weeks" after moving from Broadmeadows.

"As far as the circumstances surrounding her disappearance go, it might have been to do with medication, we’re not 100 per cent sure at this stage," he said.

"There was medication and some personal belongings that were left behind. As a result of some inquiries that were done, the situation became a lot more suspicious.

"She needed that medication, virtually constantly. So to leave it behind is suspicious in itself and some of the other items of a personal nature that she left behind also gave rise to some suspicion with investigators, in line with a number of other things they’ve followed up.

"I don't want to go into these details because it will affect the outcome of the investigation."

Det Insp Roberts said her five children and large extended family were today holding a memorial – on the one year anniversary of her disappearance.

"Her family are struggling. Someone would have seen or heard something. No matter how small the information, we urge them to come forward," he said.

Ms Gay is 152cm tall, about 70kg, with short brown hair, a fair complexion and blue eyes.

Anyone with information about her disappearance is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppers.com.au

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