The 2005 murder of German backpacker Simone Strobel at the Tourist Caravan Park in Lismore led to the extradition of her then boyfriend Tobias Moran (previously Suckfuell, he changed his name when he married) from Western Australia on 27 July, 2022. He was charged with murder following a $1 million reward for information that led to a further investigation into the homicide of Simone’s suspected murder.
However, the charges have now been dropped by the Department of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
The naked body of 25 year old Ms Strobel was found on 17 February 2005 covered by ‘palm fronds on a sports ground about 90 metres from’ the Tourist Caravan Park nowhere she had been staying with Mr Moran.
Ms Strobel had last been seen at the Caravan Park on Friday 11 February 2005, after a night out with her then-boyfriend and friends,’ said the NSW Police in a media release at the time. Her body was found six day later.
Mr Moran had reported her missing after several days but became a key suspect in the murder investigation. ‘Police have long believed Tobias was responsible for Simone’s death and that he, possibly with the help of his sister Katrin, concealed her body.’
‘At a coronial inquest in 2007, then-State Coroner, Paul McMahon, ruled there was insufficient evidence to lay charges over Simone’s death,’ said the NSW Police.
Rewards offered
A reward of 10,000 euros ($15,165) was offered ‘for information that leads to a conviction for the cold-case killing’ in February 2014 by the Bavarian Office of Criminal Investigation. This was followed by a NSW government reward offered in October 2020 of $1 million ‘ for information which leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for Simone’s homicide’.
Following his extradition he was granted bail and allowed to return to WA.
The charges against him were due to be certified in the Lismore Local Court on Wednesday however, the charges were withdrawn according to the ABC.
‘The NSW Director of Public Prosecutions has declined to certify charges of murder and attempting to pervert the course of justice in the case of Tobias Moran. The ODPP notes the possibility of future coronial proceedings and makes no further comment, a spokesperson for the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions told The Echo.
Investigation remains open
A spokesperson for the NSW Police said, ‘NSW Police notes the decision by the Department of Public Prosecutions.
‘Simone’s family has been advised their decision,’ they told The Echo.
‘As the investigation remains open, detectives from Richmond Police District continue to appeal for anyone with information about Simone’s death to come forward.’
Anyone with information that may assist Strike Force Howea detectives is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
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