By Renee Wood
Marea Yann was a loved mother, nonna, sister and respected community member with a big heart, but tragically her life ended in a brutal and horrendous way when she was murdered on September 29, 2003.
The 69-year-old’s body was found by her gardener the following day in her Juliet Crescent home in Healesville. She’d been bludgeoned to death.
Now – 18 years on – and her loved ones are yet to get justice.
Marea’s sister Deanne Green said it was a horrible thing to go through.
“Nothing’s going to bring Marea back – nothing, but some of us are still living with this horror every day of our lives knowing that someone got away with this,“ Deanne said.
Marea’s son Jeff Yann said it had been like groundhog day ever since.
“She was just tireless with her energy to help and care for people all voluntary, she was loved by all and that’s why it shattered the family and it shocked the community,“ Jeff said.
However, fresh hope for a resolution has been reignited with Victoria Police now reviewing the case.
This follows an on-air conversation between 3AW’s Neil Mitchell and Detective Inspector Tim Day, who worked on the case more than a decade ago, where Inspector Day brought up Marea’s murder when asked if there was one case he’d like to see solved.
Inspector Day’s reasoning why was something her family was holding on to – “I think that it’s solvable“.
“There’s one particular one from 2003 that I’d like to see solved from Juliet Crescent in Healesville. That’s one that always comes back to me that you’d like to think you’ve done everything that you can, but before I retire that’s one I’d like to solve,“ Inspector Day said.
Jeff Yann is grateful the authorities haven’t forgotten his mum.
“There is a lot of weight in that comment and it’s led to this [a review]. There’s been good support from the homicide team and Detective Senior Constable Caitlin Jones being put on the case full time with fresh eyes – we couldn’t ask for anything better,“ Jeff said.
Victoria Police is hopeful the review will provide further avenues of inquiry to assist in solving the horrendous crime.
“The investigation, now considered a cold case, is in the process of being reviewed in line with current investigation practices and in light of changes to legislation,“ a spokesperson said.
Changes to double jeopardy laws now mean a person can be charged twice with the same crime if new and compelling evidence arises.
It’s believed all of the original 20 persons of interest could be reconsidered again, including one man who was charged and acquitted of Marea’s murder, her son-in-law James Unumadu.
Mr Umunda was charged in 2005 and went to trial in January 2008, but he was later acquitted.
Marea’s sister Deanne Green said a lot of evidence discussed at the inquest was thrown out in the trial for being ’hearsay’ including a conversation where Mr Unumadu allegedly put Marea on the phone to a Nigerian witch doctor who told her something bad was going to happen.
“They had a very good case to go to court with but a lot of it was thrown out because of hearsay and I was always bewildered by that,“ Deanne said.
Mr Unumadu has always maintained his innocence and in an article by The Australian earlier this month, he denied his involvement saying, “For years I was persecuted of this vile murder I did not commit. I spent two years of my life in remand while the police and family smeared my name. On Google my name remains as the suspect. I am innocent and the police needed to look elsewhere but didn’t.“
Star Mail contacted Mr Umumadu but he declined to comment for this story.
Victoria Police said despite an extensive investigation by the Homicide Squad, the murder remains unsolved.
“Our greatest sadness is that such a good person just slipped away and someone got away with murder,“ Jeff said.
“There are bad people around – that’s the bottom line and we need to try and catch this bad person.“
Marea’s now grown grandchildren are also continuing the battle to see this case solved, including Jeff’s daughter Esther Yann who is studying criminology.
“Actions need to be held accountable and you can’t commit such a brutal crime and go back to your home and live a happy life and get away with something like this,“ Esther said.
But until that day comes, Marea’s family is holding on to the dear memories they have of her.
“Every day Marea’s with me, every day, she’s in the wind, she’s in everything. Nothing will bring her back, but nothing will take her memory from me until I’m no longer here,“ Deanne said.
Marea’s memory lives on as a woman who meant so much to her family and the Healesville community through volunteering at the local op shop and the living and learning centre.
“Although we were young they are very beautiful memories, she was your traditional Italian grandmother, home cooked meals, beautiful garden, very family orientated. She was massively involved with the community and was helping the members of the community that were in need of help,“ Esther said.
“I’ve got a huge, larger than life photo of Mum as soon as you walk in the door, and I talk to Mum every morning and night and give her a smile,“ Jeff said.
Memories, conversations and things seen are forever important to Marea’s family – and potentially the case if someone comes forward with the key to solving Marea’s murder.
“Sometimes conversations are forgotten or just placed on the shelf, so hopefully with a bit of public awareness, all it takes is one little bit of information for somebody to be able to think back to 29 September 2003,“ Jeff said.
“Healesville was very important to Mum and Mum was important to Healesville, so if anybody has any memories they think might be able to assist police in their investigation – please have a think.“
Victoria Police is urging anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at crimestoppersvic.com.au
