Tamworth police have reopened an investigation into the death of a teenage boy who died on the outskirts of the city 13 years ago.
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The 1988 death of 17-year-old Mark Anthony Haines is now being treated as suspicious.
The reopening of the case – which was the subject of a coronial inquest which handed down an open finding – is the result of new information.
Detectives have not detailed the nature of the information but have said they are interviewing a number of people.
Mark was last seen alive by his girlfriend at 3.30am on the morning of January 16, 1998 on the corner of Edward and Wilburtree streets after spending the evening at a number of clubs.
His body was found later that day on railway lines near the Warral silos.
A white Holden Torana stolen earlier that morning from a Wilburtree St address was located near the scene and items from the vehicle were found scattered over the railway lines.
A coronial inquest into Mark’s death found he suffered massive head injuries and had been struck by a train.
Members of his family have always maintained that Mark was not alone that night and his uncle Donald Craigie said yesterday that Mark’s death was always in the back of his mind.
“I would love to have a conclusion. It feels like I have left something behind ... it is always in the back of my mind.”
Mr Craigie said Mark had no reason to commit suicide and he would not steal a car, he couldn’t even drive.
Mr Craigie said on the night of the
incident Mark had reconciled with his
ex-girlfriend and it was very unlikely that he would celebrate by stealing a car and going for a joyride.
Mr Craigie also urged people to come forward and contact Tamworth police if they knew anything about the incident.
“I would very much appreciate it if we can find out what happened,” he said.
Anyone with information about the death should contact Tamworth Detectives on 6768 2999 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333000. All calls will be treated confidentially.
