Search warrants executed after 40 years in prominent Queensland disappearance

Police in Queensland have executed search warrants after receiving significant new evidence in a 40-year-old case with a connection to the notorious Whiskey Au Go Go fire-bombing.

Detectives executed the two search warrants on rural properties near Warwick after an appeal was made earlier in the year for information relating to the disappearance of 34-year-old Barbara McCulkin and her daughters in 1974.

Mrs McCulkin and her children were suspected to have been murdered after going missing from their home in Brisbane suburb Highgate Hill.

A coronial inquest in 1980 heard that Mrs McCulkin “knew too much” about the infamous Whiskey Au Go Go fire, which killed 15 people on March 8, 1973.

Her estranged husband Billy McCulkin and several associates were linked to the crime during the inquest, with police now saying they believe Mrs McCulkin may have had knowledge that led to her disappearance.

Detective Superintendent Steve Holahan said that detectives had interviewed witnesses across Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia and Victoria, discovering compelling new evidence to support a new line of inquiry.

“Based on the evidence collected, we now believe we have identified several motives for their murders,” he said.

“Barbara McCulkin may have had knowledge about serious crimes and the young McCulkin girls may have been sexually assaulted.”

Any person who has information in relation to this matter should contact the Queensland Homicide Squad or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.