Details

Phillip James Carlyle was found dead in the airconditioning plant room of his office in Robina on Queensland`s Gold Coast on Sunday night 13th April 1997. He had been shot several times in the head at close range. The victim had a financial interest in ATNET Pty Ltd which is an internet service provider and website publisher.

Security guards found Mr Carlyle dead in a small back room of his office after Mrs Carlyle became concerned when her husband did not show for a tennis match. There were no signs of a struggle and nothing had been stolen.

Police believe the weapon used in the murder was a .32 calibre semi-automatic pistol.

Mrs Carlyle said the local community had rallied around her and her three children, but she desperately wanted to know why her husband was killed.

She said he was a loving husband and a devoted family man who never had a harsh word to say about anyone.

``To take such a person away from myself and his children and those who loved him dearly is such a loss,`` Mrs Carlyle said.

``He was a very kind and compassionate man, always wanting to help others . . . he would go up and talk to people and if they needed any comfort he was always there.

``If we could understand why he was killed it would help us cope with the struggle ahead.``

Sen-Sgt Niland said Mr Carlyle did not have substantial business debts, but a number of prior failed business ventures could hold a clue to his murder.

Reward information

The Minister for Police and Corrective Services has approved a reward of $250,000 be offered for information which leads to the apprehension and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the murder of Philip James CARLYLE at Robina on 13 April 1