Content Warning: This article touches on the topic of murder, which may be triggering for some readers.
More than three decades after 12-year-old Leanne Holland was killed, her murder case has been reopened.
Born on 1 October 1978, Leanne Sarah Holland was the youngest of three siblings. They lived with their divorced father in Goodna, Queensland.
She was just 12 years old when she was murdered. Her body was found three days after she was reported missing by her family in nearby Redbank Plains.
Her sister’s boyfriend, Graham Stafford, was convicted of her murder. However, after serving more than 14 years for her murder, Graham was released on parole. His conviction has since been quashed.
What happened?
On the morning of the first day of her school holidays on September 23 1991, Leanne left her home around 9.30 am to walk to the hairdresser’s. Graham Stafford was alone in the house with her when she left.
Her family reported her missing to the police at 5.45 pm the following day. They assumed she had spent the night with friends.
At the time, there were other similarly aged girls going missing, including Sharron Phillips in May 1986 and Julie-Ann Gallon in August 1990.
Tragically, her partially clothed body was found in Redbank Plains by two policemen at 1.42 pm, three days after she was reported missing.
Leanne was killed by ten blows to the head from a blunt instrument. There were also burn marks on her lower body. There were no signs of sexual assault. However, her injuries were so severe that she was unrecognisable. Leanne had to be identified by her fingerprints.
Was Graham Stafford guilty?
Based on circumstantial evidence found at the house, the crime scene, and his car, Graham was arrested and charged with her murder on 28 September 1991. He was convicted of her murder and sentenced to 15 years in prison.
However, he sought an appeal the following year, but he was refused. Graham then sought a pardon, and his case was referred to the Court of Appeal. In September 1997, his appeal was dismissed, but Justice Tony Fitzgerald did find that a new trial was warranted. Despite that, he was again refused.
In 2009, his conviction was quashed by the Queensland Court of Appeal because the evidence was considered flawed and he had not received a fair trial. A retrial was ordered but never happened, partly because he had already served a significant time, and it wasn’t deemed in the public interest.
A 2012 police review still concluded that Graham Stafford was the only viable suspect. However, no new charges were laid. He has always maintained his innocence.
So, in a legal sense, the case is unsolved. No one has been legally convicted of the crime.
What is happening now?
Over the years, many private investigators, including Graeme Crowley, internet sleuths and lawyers have investigated the case. Some have put forward alternate suspects and theories. There are also numerous podcasts dedicated to Leanne Holland’s story. Her case has also been the subject of television specials, including ABC’s Australian Story and Channel 7’s Murder Uncovered.
Graeme has been tirelessly pursuing the truth for years, campaigning for Graham’s innocence.
According to 7News, a coroner has ordered a fresh investigation. Queensland Police have not confirmed if a case officer has been assigned.
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