Outback Homicide: Father Speaks After Triple Murder
Outback Triple Murder Inquest: Key Facts at a Glance
- What: Inquest into the 1978 murders of Karen Edwards, Tim Thomson, and Gordon Twaddle.
- Where: Outback Queensland, Australia – specifically, Moondarra Caravan Park (Mount Isa) and Spear Creek.
- When: Murders occurred October 5-24, 1978. Inquest reopened October 7, 2025 (as of article date).
- Why it Matters: The case remained unsolved for almost five decades.The inquest aims to find answers and potentially identify the perpetrator(s). The victims were young travelers on their way home for the holidays.
- What’s Next: The two-week inquest continues, wiht Bruce John Preston, the only person ever charged (charges later dropped), currently testifying.Focus is on the missing keys and Preston’s possession of a victim’s motorbike.
Timeline of Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| October 5, 1978 | karen Edwards, Tim Thomson, and Gordon Twaddle last seen alive at Moondarra Caravan Park. |
| October 6, 1978 | Bruce preston admits to riding Tim thomson’s motorbike. |
| October 24, 1978 | Decomposing bodies of the three victims discovered at Spear Creek. |
| 2019 | Bruce preston charged with three counts of murder. |
| 2023 | Murder charges against Bruce Preston dropped. |
| October 7,2025 | Inquest reopened. |
Key Evidence & Points
- All three victims were shot in the head.
- Motorbikes, camping equipment, gear, and keys were missing from the scene.
- Bruce Preston was caught in possession of Tim Thomson’s red BMW motorbike.
- Preston claimed to have purchased the motorbike second-hand with a forged receipt.
- Victims’ pockets were empty when their bodies were found.
- The absence of keys at the scene is considered significant.