Following six years of investigation into the shooting of a rider on the Murray to Mountain Rail Trail, detectives from the Armed Crime Squad have again called for public assistance in solving the puzzling incident.
The then 72-year-old Kevin Tennant was riding the trail on his petrol motor-powered bicycle near Everton when he was shot a number of times about 12:00pm on Saturday 18 February 2017.
He was found lying unconscious with gunshot wounds to his head and chest and subsequently airlifted to The Alfred hospital in a life-threatening condition and took months to recover from his injuries.
It’s believed the shooter left the area in a dark-coloured sedan.
Six years on, Kelvin is still experiencing issues with his eyesight and hearing due to the shooting.
A significant investigation by detectives from the Armed Crime Squad has taken place in the years since the incident occurred, with police continuing to travel to the area in the hopes of one day finding answers for Kelvin and his family.
Despite this, detectives have still not been able to determine why Kelvin was targeted by the offender.
In May 2019, police also announced a $500,000 reward for information in the hope it would encourage someone to come forward with information.
That reward remains on offer.
Investigators still believe it is possible that an interstate visitor on holidays in north-eastern Victoria that weekend has seen something but doesn’t realise that what they know could be important.
Police remain keen to speak to anyone who was in the vicinity or passed through the Everton area on the weekend of 18 February in 2017.
A reward of up to $500,000 will be paid at the discretion of the Chief Commissioner of Police for information leading to the apprehension and subsequent conviction of the person or persons responsible for the shooting.
Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Brad Potts said that even though six years have passed since the shooting occurred, detectives are still keen to speak to anyone who may have information about who was responsible for the shooting and why.
“This took place in a small, fairly close-knit area and we’re hopeful that over the years someone may have found out something about this incident and be ready to share it with police.
“Kelvin was simply out enjoying a bike ride along a beautiful regional trail when someone has tried to kill him, and we’ve never been able to uncover any possible motive for this.
“He loved the area and loved to ride his bike, and there is no way he would have expected this ride to end like this.
“I know every investigator who worked on this matter over the years would love to see it solved – not only to provide justice to Kelvin and his family, but also to find out the mystery of why this shooting occurred.”
Police said that in appropriate cases, the Director of Public Prosecutions may consider, according to established guidelines, the granting of indemnification from prosecution to any person who provides information as to the identity of the principal offender or offenders in this matter.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at crimestoppersvic.com.au.