The Unsolved Murder of Shirley Finn: Brothel Madam, Tax Evasion, and Police Corruption

The Discovery and Initial Investigation

• 📌 Shirley Finn, a prominent brothel madam in South Perth, Western Australia, was found dead in her car on June 23rd, 1975, with four gunshot wounds to the head.
• 🔍 Detectives initially suspected an "underworld sling," and a $20,000 reward was offered for information, but the murder weapon was never found.
• ⚖️ An inquiry into a "sinister alliance" between brothel madams and senior police took place before the Prostitution Royal Commission, but the police force was ultimately cleared of corruption allegations.

Theories and Suspects Emerge

• 💰 A primary theory suggests Shirley was murdered due to a substantial $100,000 tax bill, with rumors of involvement from police, politicians, and other brothel madams.
• 📞 Shirley had allegedly threatened to disclose details of bribes paid to police and kickbacks to senior detectives, potentially leading to her silencing.
• 🚗 Shirley was last seen alive the night before her death and was reportedly on her way to meet someone to discuss her tax problems, dressed in a formal gown.

Key Figures and Allegations

• 💔 Shirley's daughter, Bridget, requested the case be reopened, leading to a cold case review and eventually an inquest.
• 🤝 A former driver alleged Shirley had an affair with former police minister Ray O'Connor, who later denied any link to the crime.
• 🕵️ A retired police officer, known as "Brian," claimed he witnessed Shirley with two detectives on the night of her murder and faced threats for coming forward.
• 🔫 Multiple individuals, including former police minister Ray O'Connor, CIB chief Don Hancock, Vice Squad head Bernie Johnson, and detective Robert Nevin, have been named as potential suspects by various witnesses.

The Inquest and Lingering Questions

• ⚖️ The inquest, which began in 2017, heard numerous claims and counter-claims, including alleged confessions, threats, and evidence tampering.
• 🎯 Bernie Johnson was frequently named as a suspect, with some witnesses claiming he confessed or was involved in the murder and cover-up.
• ❓ Despite extensive testimony, the coroner could not definitively determine who killed Shirley Finn due to unreliable evidence, the passage of time, and numerous implicated individuals.
• 💡 The most likely motive identified was Shirley's attempt to blackmail police or expose corruption, but the lack of cogent evidence prevented a conclusive finding.
• 💰 A $1 million reward remains for information, highlighting the ongoing desire to solve the 47-year-old case.