A man has been rushed to hospital just hours after he was arrested over the 1999 cold case murder of Canberra grandmother Irma Palasics.
The 68-year-old was arrested at his Melbourne home on Wednesday morning in a major breakthrough in the decades long investigation.
The man was due to face an extradition application hearing that afternoon before being sent to the ACT.
However, he was instead taken to hospital after complaining of a “heart condition” and “asked to see a nurse”, the Dandenong Magistrates’ Court was told, as per the Herald Sun.
The man, who has not been charged, was remanded in custody. His extradition application has been adjourned to Thursday.
Mrs Palasics, 72, and her husband Gregor, 73, were bound and savagely beaten when two men broke into and ransacked their Canberra home about 9.30pm on Saturday, November 6, 1999.
The criminals fled the Grover Crescent house in McKellar with jewellery and cash.
Mr Palasics was able to free himself and phoned police, but his wife died at the scene from her injuries.
A Reebok sneaker believed to have been worn by one of the offenders was found at the scene of the crime, which police later released an image of in 2014.
The couple were also victims of aggravated burglaries in 1997 and 1998, which are believed to be linked to the case.
Speaking to media on Wednesday, Detective Superintendent Scott Moller from ACT Policing’s Criminal Investigations said police had been carrying out a “mammoth” investigation for decades.
“ACT Policing won’t stop,” he said. “This matter, and all the other matters we have, we will continue no matter how old they are.”
Detective Superintendent Moller said police are continuing to work to identify the second offender.
“I am confident it is only a matter of time before we have the second offender in custody, and are able to provide full closure for the family and the Canberra community.”
24 years on from Mrs Palasics’ murder, her family thanked police for their “dedication over decades”, sharing they continued to hold onto hope for answers.
“After nearly 24 years of pain, questioning and uncertainty, we have never given up hope of finding out who was responsible for this heinous act,” said Mr and Mrs Palasics’s grandson, John Mikita.
“My grandparents did not deserve what happened to them. Not only was Irma murdered but Gregor’s life all but ended on that night and ours have never been the same.”
A $500,000 reward remains in place for information leading to a successful prosecution.
Those with information relating to the murder are urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333000.