Police search bush in unsolved murder case

Police will scour bushland at Mt Brown this weekend in a bid to find the remains of a suspect wanted over a murder committed more than 30 years ago.Detectives allege Noel Thomas Foster killed his partner Marion Hamilton outside her Brownsville home in June, 1973.Neighbours reported seeing Ms Hamilton running to her front gate and screaming for help, saying "he's got a gun".Before anyone could rescue the 45-year-old, her killer shot her from close range, jumped a fence, and fled in a car. Ms Hamilton died from bullet wounds to her chest and head.Police said Mr Foster left the area in a Holden sedan, with NSW registration plates GDS 524, which was later found dumped in Wyndarra Way, Koonawarra.At the time a witness told police he saw a man matching Mr Foster's description enter bushland at Mt Brown carrying a .22 rifle.Police searched the area at the time, however with no trace found of Foster or the firearm.Now, 36 years after the crime was committed, police will return to the Mt Brown area to search for Mr Foster's remains.About 20 police officers from the Lake Illawarra command will join 40 volunteers from the Volunteer Rescue Association and State Emergency Service in the two-day search starting on Saturday.A warrant for Mr Foster's arrest was issued in 1973 and has remained in place ever since.Numerous inquiries in Australia and overseas have been conducted, with no trace of Mr Foster since the day the murder was committed.Investigators have appealed for anyone who has any information the matter, and who have not spoken to police in recent months, to contact Lake Illawarra Police on 02 42952699 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.