Two Men Found Guilty of 1999 Canberra Manslaughter After Decades-Long DNA Investigation
A 25-year-old cold case ends with convictions, thanks to DNA evidence from a milk bottle and an undercover police operation.
In November 1999, two masked men forcibly entered the Canberra home of Irma and Gregor Palasics. The intruders assaulted the elderly couple, restrained them, and stole approximately $30,000 in cash and jewellery.
Mrs. Palasics, aged 72, sustained multiple blunt force injuries—including a broken nose—and died at the scene. Her husband was also injured in the attack.
The Investigation and Forensic Evidence
The case remained unsolved for over two decades. A forensic pathologist, Professor Johan Duflou, testified that a precise cause of death could not be determined due to the extent of her injuries. His report indicated that Mrs. Palasics's airways contained blood. Professor Duflou stated that the body's position at the scene was not material to his findings.
The Palasics home had been targeted by burglars on prior occasions:
- 1997: Approximately $100,000 was stolen from beneath the house.
- 1998: Irma Palasics confronted an intruder and removed his balaclava, which later provided DNA evidence.
In 2019, DNA recovered from a milk bottle at the 1999 crime scene was matched to Steve Fabriczy, who was listed in Victoria's DNA database. Investigators later identified Joseph Vekony after collecting a discarded coffee cup that matched his DNA. Evidence placed Mr. Vekony's DNA on a water jug in the refrigerator and a balaclava linked to the 1998 burglary.
Concerns About Crime Scene Procedures
Defense lawyers raised concerns about crime scene procedures. Clifton Frost, the officer in charge, acknowledged that a "grey square" used for color contrast in crime scene photography was likely not cleaned between uses. He conceded that this practice did not meet best standards for preventing DNA transfer.
The Undercover Operation
Police conducted a months-long undercover operation in 2023, during which an officer posing as the head of a fictitious crime syndicate employed Mr. Fabriczy. In a covert recording made at Melbourne's Crown Casino, Mr. Fabriczy initially denied visiting Canberra or killing anyone. Under pressure from the undercover officer, he admitted traveling to Canberra with Mr. Vekony to commit a burglary.
In the recording, Mr. Fabriczy stated that his role was to act as a lookout. He reported hearing a struggle and Mrs. Palasics saying something akin to "Don't hurt me." Mr. Fabriczy claimed he entered the house only to help Mr. Vekony escape through a bathroom window after Mr. Vekony injured his knee. Mr. Fabriczy stated he was unaware that Mrs. Palasics had died and said he received $12,000 from the stolen cash.
Arrest and Court Proceedings
Following his arrest, Mr. Fabriczy was informed that the undercover officer was a police operative and that his DNA was found in the kitchen of the Palasics home. Mr. Fabriczy expressed remorse for his involvement, stating he should not have gone with Mr. Vekony, but maintained he did not assault or murder Mrs. Palasics.
In 2024, a jury found both Steve Fabriczy and Joseph Vekony guilty of:
- Manslaughter (not murder)
- Aggravated assault
- Burglary
Mr. Vekony was also convicted for the 1998 burglary at the same residence.
Family Response
"The trauma has never ended."
Elizabeth Mikita, the victim's daughter, described ongoing trauma from the events. John Mikita, the victim's grandson, expressed concern that the manslaughter conviction might result in a lesser sentence than life imprisonment.
Sentencing for both men is scheduled for August 2024.