Police are appealing for information into the murder of 31-year-old Benn Schinkel at Capricornia Correctional Centre.
He was found unresponsive with serious injuries inside the prison on October 22 last year and he passed away the following day in Rockhampton Hospital.
Benn had been housed in the mainstream prison secure unit 1 for less than a month, after being sentenced in September 2022 in relation to a dangerous driving incident at Bajool in December 2021.
He sustained ongoing injuries from the incident, causing him to walk with a limp and no one else was injured in the incident for which he was charged.
Benn was eligible for parole just a few months later in January 2023.
Detectives have released pictures of Benn and a message from Benn’s mother, father and sister as they appeal for anyone with information which could assist the investigation into his murder to come forward.
Benn’s father, Michael Schinkel, says Benn was loving, caring and would do anything for his mates and family.
“We really are appealing to anybody out there if they could come forward to help us solve Benn’s murder, it’s broken our family, and we need to have justice,” Mr Schinkel says.
“So please if anybody out there has information that could help us, please come forward.”
Detectives have reviewed evidence and interviewed a number of persons across the state and those persons, due to changes in circumstances, may now be prepared to provide further information.
It is believed there are people who could assist the investigation, who are residing in the Townsville and Rockhampton areas.
Detective Sergeant Greg Bishop says investigators are hopeful someone will come forward with the information they need to provide Benn’s family with answers.
“Everyone in custody has the right to do their time, to go home to their families and move on with their lives.
“We urge anyone with information regarding this incident, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem and whether you witnessed the incident directly or have heard something from another person, to please come forward.
“Reports to Crimestoppers can be treated in confidence and if anyone with information is prepared to talk directly to detectives this can be arranged on terms that each person is most comfortable with.
“If you know something, we urge you to come forward and help us bring closure for Benn’s family.”
Investigations remain ongoing.
