IN 1999 Paul Summers was gunned down while he slept inside a bikie chapter house in Gosford. Now, more than 20 years on, the NSW Government, together with the NSW Police Force, has announced a $500,000 reward for information into the murder.
About 3.50am on Wednesday September 22, 1999, a number of shots were fired into the front of the Gosford Chapter club house of the Rebels outlaw motorcycle gang at Yandina Road, West Gosford.
Three of the bullets struck and killed Paul Summers - then aged 31 - while he was asleep on a lounge inside the club house.
Paul's mother, Robyn Shelley, said she hoped to finally see justice for her son.
"Paul was a much-loved son and brother and an extremely talented musician, who was planning to pursue his dream of starting a full-time music career when his life was cut short," Mrs Shelley said.
"After more than 20 years of indescribable pain, we are hoping that someone will come forward and help identify those responsible for Paul's death.
"Our family simply cannot rest until we have the answers that we need to finally see justice served for Paul."
Detectives from the State Crime Command's homicide squad established Strike Force Phillack to investigate the circumstances surrounding Mr Summers' death.
In 2001, a Coronial Inquest found that Mr Summers had been fatally shot by an unknown person or persons.
In 2003, the NSW Government announced a $100,000 reward for information relating to his death.
Several lines of inquiry were investigated, with no persons arrested or charged to date.
An increase in the NSW Government reward to $500,000 was announced as part of a renewed appeal to the community on Tuesday to come forward with any information that may assist detectives with their inquiries.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services, David Elliott, said he hoped the increase in the NSW Government incentive would encourage anyone with information to come forward.
"Mr Summers' family has spent more than 20 years searching for answers," Mr Elliott said.
"I would urge anyone who is holding onto information about this case to come forward and assist police, before they come knocking on your door."
Homicide squad commander, Detective Superintendent Danny Doherty, said that there are people in the community who were there on that night and who know what happened.
"Investigations since 1999 have been hampered by the nature and location of the incident being linked to the outlaw motorcycle gang network," Det Supt Doherty said.
"We know there are people who haven't provided police with the whole story. Now, after more than 20 years, it is time for those individuals to come forward.
"As inquiries continue, police have conducted a full review of all evidence obtained during the investigation including all forensic evidence and witness statements."
