General News
26 June, 2023
Renewed calls for police to release Terry’s case
Tomorrow marks 48 years since Maryborough teenager Terry Floyd disappeared and while a power of work has been undertaken to find answers in the high-profile case, the boys’ family are frustrated by the lack of progress. The 12-year-old was last...
Tomorrow marks 48 years since Maryborough teenager Terry Floyd disappeared and while a power of work has been undertaken to find answers in the high-profile case, the boys’ family are frustrated by the lack of progress.
The 12-year-old was last seen on the Pyrenees Highway between Avoca and Maryborough on June 28, 1975 and is believed to have been abducted and murdered.
Victoria Police’s Homicide Squad reopened the investigation into Terry’s disappearance in 2000 and the following year a coroner determined the boy had been murdered, but no body has ever been found and no one has been charged over the death.
A $1 million reward is offered for any information that could lead to answers.
Daryl Floyd, Terry’s younger brother, continues to hold out hope of finding answers and some form of closure for his family almost 50 years since he last saw his brother.
From self-funding excavations of the Morning Star Mine near Avoca, believed to be Terry’s final resting place, to starting the Terry Floyd Foundation charity, Daryl said his efforts give Terry the voice he deserves to have.
“No one ever wants to keep doing this, but if we don’t do what we’ve been doing over many years and continue to do, Terry doesn’t have a voice,” he said.
“My brother deserves to have a voice, his story needs to be heard and there need to be answers about what happened to him.
“No child should ever lose their life because they were standing on the side of the road.”
Daryl’s efforts to find his brother have gained the support of retired homicide detectives Ron Iddles and Charlie Bezzina, with Daryl most recently requesting that Victoria Police release Terry’s case to Mr Bezzina, however no answer has been forthcoming.
“Charlie is more than willing to come on board and support this case getting solved,” Daryl said.
“I understand when police say they are under-resourced but given the information that’s come to hand, we believe this can be solved.
“The constant arm wrestle I’ve had with Victoria Police over the years is frustrating, we want to get this moving forward and get it done.
“The reality is that 48 years is far too long, it’s time for Victoria Police to put an end to this and find answers because for me to be constantly doing this all the time is not healthy for anyone, it takes a big toll.”
Daryl said he is continuing to speak with Victoria Police about releasing his brother’s case.
“We’re very fortunate to have the support and assistance of people like Ron Iddles and Charlie and without their support, we wouldn’t have been able to get as far as we have,” he said.
“Without their support, Terry’s case would be sitting stagnant and collecting dust.”
In February, the Victorian Government contributed a further $35,000 to the excavation of the Morning Star Mine in a bid to fully search the site.
Daryl said while inclement weather has slowed progress, the mine, where items of clothing believed to be Terry’s have been discovered, will be fully excavated.
“There is a groundswell of support from the community to find answers about Terry and I believe answers about his final resting place are in that mine,” he said.
“It’s no longer just my search or my family’s search — it’s become a community-based search and the whole of Victoria want answers to this.”