Family members have joined police in appealing for information relating to the murder of father-of-two Omega Ruston on Australia Day 12 years ago.
The 32-year-old construction worker was driving along the Gold Coast Highway on January 26, 2009, when he was shot dead in a suspected road rage incident.
Police believe those involved in the murder were linked to organised crime syndicates and outlaw motorcycle gangs and called for anyone with "changed loyalties" to come forward for a "last chance at redemption".
"Police believe that immediately after the shooting death, others with links to Gold Coast and Sydney chapters of these gangs provided assistance to the persons of interest," Detective Inspector Chris Ahearn from the Gold Coast Criminal Investigation Branch said in a statement released today.
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"These persons are being investigated as accessories after the fact to murder, which is also a life imprisonment offence in Queensland.
"We are aware relationships and loyalties in these gangs change, so we are encouraging those people with information to come forward now as this may be your last chance at redemption."
Just before he was shot dead, Mr Ruston was driving along the highway with two of his friends when an incident occurred with another car.
He pulled over his white Holden ute and a maroon sedan was also seen stopping behind him.
Mr Ruston got out of the car and was shot in the stomach by bullets fired from the rear passenger side window of the maroon sedan.
Witnesses reported seeing three men of Middle Eastern appearance in the maroon vehicle, with the rear passenger seen holding a black semi-automatic style pistol.
The cold case murder was reviewed last year and since then significant breakthroughs had occurred in the investigation, police said.
New witnesses from Queensland and NSW have come forward to provide crucial evidence.
Detective Inspector Ahearn said significant forensic breakthroughs had also been made with DNA, fingerprint and ballistics evidence.
At the same time, newer investigative techniques were helping police interpret historical telephone data.
"This was a horrific crime, committed on a busy road with potentially many people nearby given the Australia Day public holiday so we are further encouraging anyone in the area at the time with even the seemingly smallest piece of information to contact us," Detective Inspector Ahearn said.
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.
You can report information about crime anonymously to Crime Stoppers, a registered charity and community volunteer organisation, via crimestoppersqld.com.au 24 hours per day.
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