A REWARD of $200,000 will be paid for information to solve the suspected cold case murder at Beachport of Canadian backpacker Gordon Bruce Rogers.
The 50th anniversary of his disappearance occurs on Sunday with Adelaide-based detectives expected to visit Beachport again in the near future.
Mr Rogers was last seen alive at a Somerville Street house-warming party at 3.30am on August 2, 1970 and his body has not been located.
Major Crime Task Force officer in charge Detective Superintendent Des Bray said the missing man preferred to be known as Bruce.
However, detectives believe he met with foul play and was killed.
“The exact circumstances that led to Bruce’s death remain unknown,” Det Supt Bray said.
“It is possible that he has become involved in an altercation with someone and that altercation got out of hand.
“It is possible the person or people involved in that altercation never meant for Bruce to be killed.
“(Bruce’s family) remain hopeful of police locating his remains, a task police consider to be the primary focus of the investigation.
“Police still periodically receive information from the public about Bruce’s disappearance.
“Police will again be visiting the South East to continue enquiries in the near future.
Mr Rogers is invariably referred to as “The Canadian” by locals.
The party house has barely changed its external appearance in 50 years and is now available as a holiday rental.
A reward will be paid by the State Government, at the discretion of the Commissioner of Police Grant Stevens, to anyone who provides information and assistance that leads to the conviction of anyone responsible for the suspected murder of Mr Rogers.
A cash incentive is also on offer for tip-offs which lead to the location and recovery of the victim’s remains.
On the day of his disappearance, Mr Rogers had been drinking with the friend who subsequently reported him missing and had attended a party in Beachport.
The friend stated he left the party to take his girlfriend home and asked another man to take Mr Rogers home.
The other man said he took another woman home first and when he returned to the party, Mr Rogers was no longer there.
Mr Rogers has not been seen since.
Over the course of the past five decades, there have been numerous searches and excavations at Beachport but no trace of Mr Rogers has been uncovered.
Anyone with information should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
