Queensland police crack 80s cold case

An almost 35-year-old Queensland cold case may be a step closer to being solved after a police breakthrough in the murder of Linda Reed.

Troy James O'Meara, 51, was charged on Wednesday by police with the 1983 murder following the recent reopening of the investigation.

The newly-married Ms Reed disappeared during her lunch break while working at the Pacific Fair Shopping Centre on December 13 that year.

The 21-year-old's body was discovered three days later along with her light-coloured Mazda sedan in bushland at Gaven.

O'Meara made a brief appearance in Brisbane Magistrates Court on Wednesday.

When the case returns to court on September 24 it will be alleged the then 17-year-old O'Meara abducted, assaulted and killed Ms Reed.

Homicide Detective Senior Sergeant Chris Knight said the shop assistant's abduction and murder was completely random.

Ms Reed's husband, Robert, thanked police for their tireless work..

"It's been 35 years since my wife was taken from me, from Nancy and Oscar, her parents, Philipp, her brother, and we just want to thank the police for never giving up on trying to find Linda's murderer," he said.

O'Meara made no application for bail and was remanded in custody.