A substantial reward of $1 million has been announced for information leading to the resolution of a perplexing case involving the tragic death of a young woman in 2003. Her body was discovered with extensive burns, and she was barely alive at the time of the find.
Harmony Bryant, then 26 years old, was located with life-threatening injuries in a wooded area near Bonny Hills, just south of Port Macquarie on New South Wales’ mid-north coast.
Nearby, her vehicle, a Hyundai Excel, was discovered engulfed in flames approximately 200 meters from the main road.
Bryant endured extensive burns covering 60 percent of her body, alongside a broken pelvis and numerous fractures to her arm and wrist.
After spending over a month receiving medical care, Bryant succumbed to her injuries on September 19, 2003.
According to police, evidence indicates that Bryant may have fallen from a cliff in the vicinity before being assisted back to her car by one or more unidentified individuals.
Detectives say she booked accommodation for two people at the Mid Pacific Caravan Park the day before she was found critically injured.Â
Despite numerous public appeals, the identity of the second person remains unknown.
Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said the reward was intended to encourage anyone with long-held information to come forward.Â
While more than 20 years has passed since Bryant’s death, the smallest detail could still be the missing piece of evidence required to solve the case, Catley said.
The case was originally handled by Mid North Coast detectives before being referred to the Homicide Squad’s Strike Force Behl in 2007.Â
A 2011 coronial inquest found Bryant died from burns sustained at Bonny Hills caused by a person or persons unknown. No one has ever been charged in relation to her death.
Homicide Squad Commander, Detective Superintendent Joe Doueihi, said the police investigation had confirmed Bryant was not alone on the night of the incident.Â
He expressed hope that the $1 million incentive would finally provide the information needed to make an arrest and offer closure to the Bryant family.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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