The substantial financial incentive was offered after police tried unsuccessfully twice more than 10 years ago to have a man convicted of Trevor Tascas’ death.
The 27-year-old’s body has not been found in the nearly 17 years since he disappeared sometime between October 7 and 10, 2005.
His grieving mother, Pamela Tascas, fronted the media to call for anyone with information about his death to come forward.
“Put us alone,” she said through the tears.
Ms Tascas said her life had been “horrible” for over 16 years.
“I’m just looking for him all the time.”
Tascas was living with another man in a house in Thatcher Court, Whittington, Geelong, when he disappeared.
His mother reported him missing on April 1, 2006 after she grew increasingly concerned that she hadn’t heard from him for weeks.
Tascas’ disappearance was immediately investigated by the Homicide.
Police believe he was involved in a conflict with his roommate before he disappeared.
After Tascas disappeared, his dog was given away and his belongings — including his car and furniture — were sold suspiciously.
Also in July and August 2006 money was withdrawn from Tascas’ bank account, not by him.
Tascas’ phone was last used on October 7, 2005.
A man and a woman were charged with Tascas’ death in July 2008.
A new trial on the charge of manslaughter was ordered, but in 2013, the jury found not guilty.
The woman was charged with complicity in manslaughter and obtaining property through deception, and was sentenced in 2009 to three years in prison.
In 2020, an inquest was held in connection with Tascas’ death.
Detective Acting Inspector Tony Combridge said police believed others had information as to who was responsible for the incident that caused Tascas’ death.
Police also want to speak to anyone with information about his movements or interactions in the weeks leading up to his disappearance.
“Trevor was well known in the Whittington area at the time of his disappearance and many of his associates still live in that area,” Acting Superintendent Combridge said.
“We hope that someone who has new information about Trevor’s death, the circumstances and who was responsible will see this appeal and ultimately choose to come forward and talk to the police.”
He said the police strongly believe that Tascas was murdered.
Acting Inspector Combridge said Tascas was much loved by his family, who still grieved for him.
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The reward of up to $1 million will be paid at the discretion of the Chief of Police for information leading to the arrest and subsequent conviction of the person or persons responsible for Tascas’ death.
