Victorian police are investigating two reported sightings of notorious Corrimal killer Graham Gene Potter in NSW.
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Potter, who bludgeoned a woman to death before cutting off her head and fingers, is one of Australia’s most-wanted fugitives.
The former Wollongong coalminer spent 15 years in prison for the 1981 murder of Kim Barry.
After meeting the 19-year-old at a Wollongong nightclub, Potter lured the shop assistant to his Corrimal flat before killing her and dumping her torso and dismembered head and fingers below Jamberoo Mountain lookout.
He was convicted and served 15 years before being released from jail in 1996.
On Wednesday night, detectives from the Victoria Police Fugitive Taskforce appealed for information following two reported sightings of Potter in Griffith.
Both sightings date back to July last year, with one person saying they saw him in a local shop and the other claiming he was at a gym.
Potter is known to have connections to the Riverina and there have previously been a number of other reported unconfirmed sightings in the areas around Griffith and nearby Yenda.
Police are yet to confirm if the man seen was Potter and have appealed for anyone with information to come forward.
Detective Superintendent Peter De Santo said any information could be vital in progressing the investigation.
“It’s important for us that we either confirm the sighting or rule out that was Potter,” Det Supt de Santo said.
“Any piece of information from the public, no matter how small or trivial it might seem, could prove vital.
“We know that Potter is capable of living rough and camping out, so there’s a chance he could be staying in caravan parks or camping in remote areas. He might also be picking up work at farms or as a labourer.”
Det Supt de Santo urged members of the public to look at photos released by police.
“If you recognise him, believe you have seen him recently, or have any further information about Potter’s whereabouts, then we want you to come forward,” he said.
Potter, now 59, has been on the run since he failed to appear on bail for conspiracy to murder charges at Melbourne Magistrate’s Court in February 2010.
Despite a number of sightings in Queensland and several nationwide public appeals – including as part of Operation Roam Fugitive Hunt in August last year – Potter has managed to evade police capture.
A $100,000 reward was announced in February 2011 for information leading to his capture.
He was last seen by police around Tully, between Cairns and Townsville in Queensland, during August 2010 when he ran from a vehicle during a routine police intercept.
In 2013, police searched the Riverina after receiving information Potter might have been staying in the area.
Several unconfirmed sightings of Potter were reported in the vicinity of Tocumwal and Cobram, on the NSW-Victoria border.
Potter is also accused of planning to murder two associates of Mick Gatto at the 2008 wedding of the underworld figure’s son.
A Victoria Police warrant for Potter’s arrest remains current.
Also in 2008, Potter was arrested in Tasmania over his alleged role in the importation of 15 million ecstasy tablets. He was extradited to Victoria but granted bail.
Potter has been known to alter his appearance.
He has been seen with a ginger beard and dyed brown hair to avoid detection.
Potter has been described as Caucasian, 175cm tall, of medium to solid build, with brown eyes, brown greying hair and ginger beard.
He is known to wear a gold sleeper earring in both ears, wears glasses and regularly wears a gold chain around his neck.
Potter has a propensity for changing his appearance and has used a number of aliases including Josh Lawson, John Page, Jim Henderson and Peter Adams.
Anyone who sees Potter has been warned not to approach him but contact Triple Zero.