Two persons of interest in linked 2002 Gold Coast and Northern NSW murders

The release

Homicide detectives are appealing for information in relation to two men believed to be linked to the disappearance and suspected murder of 45-year-old Iain Stewart Hogg at Tweed Heads and the murder of 67-year-old Frederick Hugh Rosson (aka Slim Johnson) at Mount Nathan in 2002.

As part of ongoing investigations, including specialised forensic testing, detectives are examining a number of lines of inquiry. Following a renewed public appeal in 2024, police have received new information in relation to the identities of two men similar in description to two Comfit images created from witness accounts in 2002.

Detective Sergeant Scott Chapman from the Homicide Investigation Unit said detectives hoped the release of the images would prompt people with information to come forward.

“We are asking the community to take a moment to look at these images. Someone may recognise or know these men or remember something that seemed insignificant at the time but now could be important,” Detective Sergeant Chapman said.

There is a $1 million reward ($500,000 from QLD and NSW respectively) in place for information that leads to the conviction of the person, or persons, found to be responsible the murder of Mr Hogg and Mr Rosson.

Iain Hogg, 45 years, was reported missing on 12 March 2002, by his elderly mother after he failed to attend his workplace as a manager of a liquor store at Burleigh the day before. His red 1992 Toyota Celica coupe with Queensland registration 861 GBW was also reported missing at the time.

He was reportedly last seen driving the red Celica into his apartment at Teemangum Street at Currumbin Beach in the late afternoon of 10 March 2002. Investigators were able to establish that Mr Hogg spoke to his mother via telephone at 6pm that evening and he has not been located since.

During subsequent investigations witnesses told police between 1am and 3am (NSW time) on Monday 11 March 2002, Mr Hogg’s Celica was observed to drive and park in a carpark area near the Volunteer Marine Rescue Boat pontoon on the northern bank of Tweed River in Coral Street, Tweed Heads.

Witnesses overlooking the Coral Street area at that time saw a number of people around the vehicle, then a flash followed by a loud bang, believed to be from the discharging of a firearm. This location is immediately adjacent to the Tweed River mouth northern rock wall, and it is believed that Mr Hogg’s body was placed into the river at this time.

On 14 March 2002, four days after the last known sighting of Mr Hogg, Mr Frederick Hugh Rosson aka Charles ‘Slim’ Johnson, 67 years, was shot and murdered at his Pademelon Pass residence at Mt Nathan during which a 9mm CZ handgun and ammunition was stolen.

Investigators believe Mr Rosson was in the process of selling this handgun, which had been advertised via the Trading Post classifieds.

Mr Rosson was contacted by a man from the Coolangatta/Tweed Heads area by telephone at that time inquiring about the purchase of this firearm.