Murder accused allegedly acted on ‘perception’ of sexual orientation – Sydney Morning Herald

“But it was the perception – which is why it was brought in under Strike Force Parrabell – of his sexuality, the location of this crime being Alison Park, which was a well-known beat back through 1986 and into 1987.”

In a statement on Thursday, Mr Keam’s son Dane said the alleged murder meant he never got to know his father but he was widely regarded as a kind, generous and caring man.

“My family and I never thought this day would come, knowing finally that someone could be held accountable for the vicious murder of our father,” he said.

“We realise that this is only just the beginning, but it’s the start for us to be able to close this horrible chapter of our lives. My family and I would like to thank the detectives for their hard work with the investigation to bring my father justice after so many years.”

Investigators attached to Strike Force Augenaut, which began a reinvestigation into Mr Keam’s death after a formal review of the unsolved case in 2019, successfully sought Mr Early’s extradition in the Melbourne Magistrates Court.

He was taken over the border to Albury police station and charged with murder.

He was not before the court when his case was first mentioned in Albury Local Court on Thursday and no application for bail was made.

Mr Early was remanded in custody until October 13 when he is due to appear via video link in Sydney’s Central Local Court.

Fresh custody inmates are tested for COVID-19 and managed by Corrective Services NSW in quarantine for 14 days before being moved into the general population of a facility.

Superintendent Doherty said police would allege in court the accused was “acting on a perception of someone’s sexual orientation” and it was a “bias crime-related murder”.

“Anyone to perpetrate an act of violence like this can only be described as coming from a place within themselves of ignorance and malevolence,” he said, adding that police had received statements from people alleging they had also been assaulted in Alison Park.

He said the information received by investigators in the past couple of years, including after the reward was announced, had helped to build a “sufficient and strong” brief of evidence.

Superintendent Doherty said police had spoken to the family, who had gone through a difficult period and finally had some answers after the arrest.

“They were very happy with the news, even though they’ve gone through such a sad, grieving time,” he said.

NSW Police Minister David Elliott said the development was “proof positive” investigators would go to the “nth degree” and never give up, and that an increased reward was a wonderful tool the government could offer to lead to closure and hopefully a conviction.

He extended heartfelt condolences to the family of Mr Keam, who he said had been in the prime of his life and did not deserve to die in the “callous way that he did”.

Mr Keam’s death is alleged to have been among a string of gay hate crimes committed in Sydney from the inner city to the Bondi-Tamarama cliff tops.

An autopsy revealed he died from severe head injuries and a 1988 coronial inquest found he had died due to being struck by an unknown person or persons.

Mr Keam’s partner Diane Smart and adult children spoke about the murder in June.

“Raymond was a bright, strong, smart and generous man, who can never be replaced,” Ms Smart said.

With Daniella White

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