Man arrested in 40-year-old Queensland cold case

A man has been arrested at a property south-west of Brisbane by police investigating the murders of the McCulkin family, who vanished 40 years ago.

Barbara McCulkin and her daughters Vicki and Leanne vanished in 1974, believed to have been murdered.

Their bodies have never been found.

A raid yesterday on a farm in Warwick uncovered $300,000 in cash and three drums packed with cannabis.

The owner of that property was subsequently arrested and taken into custody. He is described as an associate of Vincent O’Dempsey, a person of interest in the case whose home was also raided by police yesterday.

Neighbours say they have not seen Mr O'Dempsey for a number of months. Police say they would like to speak with him.

It has been reported that Barbara McCulkin’s knowledge of an infamous 1973 firebombing incident at Brisbane’s Whiskey Au Go Go nightclub that killed 15 people may have been a possible motive for their disappearance.

A $250,000 reward for the case remains in place.