Police investigating the suspected murder of John Giannopoulos in Sydney more than 20 years ago have announced a $1 million reward for information as detectives probe several fresh leads.
The body of Giannopoulos was found by two people inside a unit on King Street, Newtown in the city's inner-west at about 10.30am on July 17, 2002.
Police are seeking to identify a woman believed to be of Indian sub-continental appearance who was captured on CCTV at a 7-Eleven close to Giannopoulos' apartment on the day of his death.
"We believe this woman may have been in a relationship with John prior to his death, and possibly resided at an address on Audley Street at Petersham with a teenage daughter," NSW Police Detective Superintendent Danny Doherty said.
"I have no doubt there are people who knew Mr Giannopoulos who hold information about the circumstances of his death and are yet to come forward to police; now is the time to speak up."
Doherty said police have re-examined items taken from Giannopoulos' apartment and discovered an unknown man's DNA sample on a drinking glass close to where Giannopoulos' body was found.
No one has been charged in relation to the death of Giannopoulos.
Police said a post-mortem examination revealed the then 72-year-old died from severe head and abdominal injuries.
A coronial inquest in 2006 found Giannopoulos died on or about July 16 in 2002 from several injuries inflicted on him by a person or people unknown to him.
A formal review of the case was carried out in 2018 and new investigation was launched under Strike Force Westminster II.
Police and counter-terrorism minister Yasmin Catley said she hoped the $1 million reward would provide an incentive for someone to come forward and open new avenues of inquiry for detectives.
"Despite having retired from work, John was an active member of the Greek community in Sydney when he was brutally beaten to death in his own home," Catley said.
"The unsolved homicide unit exists so horrific crimes like this are not forgotten, and those responsible are held accountable – irrespective of the passage of time."
