Source : Perth Now news
It is a case that has baffled detectives for more than 20 years and now it is hoped a $1m reward will finally help solve the disappearance of a young father who vanished after getting into a car.
Mahmoud Sleiman, then aged 24, was last seen outside his home at Greystanes in Sydney’s west about 7.30am on Sunday February 2, 2003. At the time he was see speaking with a man in a white Jeep Grand Cherokee, before he entered the vehicle and was driven away.
When he failed to return, his family contacted police.
It was reported at the time that when they called Sleiman’s mobile phone later that night, they could hear a man screaming before the call was terminated.
Homicide Squad Detective Inspector Joe Doueihi will on Wednesday be joined by Sleiman’s partner Jody Swift and son Billy Sleiman in appealing to the public for help.
Detectives from Strike Force Gain investigated Sleiman’s disappearance and suspected murder, including searching bushland at Moxham Reserve in Northmead in February 2004. Sections of the Parramatta River were also searched, with no sign of the 24-year-old.
Detectives at the time said they believed the known drug dealer may have been lured to his death by a rivals wanting to take over his drug business.
A coronial inquest into his disappearance held in 2007 ruled Sleiman was dead, likely killed shortly after he vanished, with the NSW Deputy State Coroner unable to determine his cause of death, other than to rule is suspicious.
Detectives from Strike Force Motoren were then assigned to the case, leading to the $1m reward.
More to come
