Josh Warneke: Ingrid Bishop says $1 million reward in son’s case will not help amid calls for an inquest

The mother of murdered Broome man Josh Warneke says she doesn’t think a $1 million reward in her son’s case will significantly help and that a coronial inquest — still to be listed — will offer more information into her son’s killing. In an interview with ABC radio on Wednesday morning Ingrid Bishop — whose son was killed in Broome in 2010 — said she had “mixed emotions” about her son’s case being one of 64 unsolved homicides getting a new $1 million reward payment. While most families would be pleased with the announcement, she said a “broad brush” approach to rewards might not be the answer. “It’s exciting news, and it can once again reignite some hope,” Ms Bishop told the radio station. “I think maybe . . . a broad brush approach may not be the most appropriate way to handle it when you look at the complexities of cases. “I think there’s going to be a majority of families who will be so thrilled by this announcement, but I don’t think that’s necessarily applicable for all cases, notably mine. “It’s all about timing when rewards are released. It’s not about just sticking it out there. “Timing is the critical point. “Unfortunately, with Josh’s case, 13 years later, I am still in the same situation as the day after Josh was murdered. That’s the cold hard reality of it.” Ms Bishop said she was continually frustrated by the delay in the Coroner listing her son’s case for an inquest hearing. “The Coroner has had the file for two and a half years,” Ms Bishop said. “I am no closer to understanding the process around the coronial inquest assessment of Josh’s file. “How much more do you have to bare? How much more can a person take?” In a brief interview with The West after her radio interview Ms Bishop said: “If I could have one thing, it would be for the Coroner to prioritise the case. “As far as I’m concerned, no progress has been made. “Throwing money at it is not the solution. Solving cold cases involves many aspects and a very structured process, and we know that historically rewards have not been paid.” Mr Warneke’s body was found on the outskirts of Broome on February 26, 2010, after he spent a night out with friends and decided to walk home to the Roebuck Estate. Witnesses have previously told police they saw him at about 2.45am walking near the intersection of Old Broome Road and Short Street. A taxi driver found his body on the side of the road less than 10 minutes later. He had suffered a serious head injury. The case has already led to one man — Gene Gibson — being wrongfully convicted over the killing. A scathing Corruption and Crime Commission investigation found the original police inquiry was botched by officers who failed to follow proper procedures. More than two years ago, WA Police sent a report into Mr Warneke’s death to the State Coroner, meaning a Coroner’s inquest could potentially be the next step in unravelling the mystery of what happened the night Mr Warneke was killed. But the Coroner is yet to list the case for an inquest. In a statement issued in January, the Coroner’s office said it was still investigating Mr Warneke’s death, and it could not say whether an inquest would be announced soon. “The Court continues to investigate this complex matter and cannot provide any further information,” a spokeswoman for the Coroner said at the time. The West contacted the Coroner’s office again on Wednesday for comment.