The family of a single mother murdered in her own home say their pain has been made worse by not knowing who killed her, as they launched a fresh plea for answers on the 40th anniversary of her death.
Melbourne woman Nanette Ellis was stabbed in her Boronia home by an unknown offender or group of offenders on the evening of the 10th of February 1984.
Her 16-year-old son Greg discovered his mother's body about 45 minutes after she was seen arriving home.
No one has ever been charged over the 41-year-old's death although homicide squad detectives have spoken to a number of people.
Ms Ellis' car was subjected to a series of attacks in the days leading up to her death, including tyres slashed, number plates removed, paint tipped over the vehicle as well as rocks thrown while was driving.
A number of other cars were attacked with rocks at the time and detectives have never been able to draw a clear link between those incidents and her death.
Ms Ellis' family say they are tormented by the brutality of what she endured in a place that should have been her safe haven.
"Our lives have gone on but have never been the same again since Nanette’s death," her family said in a statement.
"A sense of enduring loss and sadness continue to this day, exacerbated by not knowing who was responsible, and why Nanette was targeted.
"We believe that someone must know who murdered Nanette.
"No one can carry such an appalling secret forever without sharing it with another."
Ms Ellis, an advertising manager, enjoyed a quiet life with her two boys and had no criminal associations or other links that could be connected to her death, according to Homicide Squad Detective Inspector Dean Thomas.
He stressed it's not too late to come forward with information.
"The time to come forward is now," Detective Inspector Thomas said.
"The Ellis family have waited four decades for answers, four decades of grief and mystery.
“If there is anyone out there who knows anything about Nanette’s death, no matter what it is, I urge you to come forward and speak to police or Crime Stoppers.”
A $500,000 reward remains on offer for information leading to the conviction of her killer.
The Department of Public Prosecutions is also considering indemnification from prosecution for anyone who provides information about those responsible.
