Work affair linked

Melissa Jones
Police yesterday named a co-worker of a Victorian mother bashed and strangled in her home 15 years ago as a suspect in her murder.
But investigators are yet to lay charges over Annette Steward’s death.
The 29-year-old marching girl’s naked body was discovered in the bedroom of her Geelong West home on March 18, 1992.
Lead investigator Detective Sergeant Brendon Murphy told an inquest into Ms Steward’s death that Craig Cameron Rogers, who worked with her at Point Henry Winchester ammunition factory, was a suspect.
“Suspicion does surround the activities of Craig Rogers and the accounts provided by him to investigators,” Det Sgt Murphy told Victorian Coroner’s Court.
The last day she attended work Ms Steward told colleagues she had an argument with Mr Rogers, Det Sgt Murphy said.
She had also complained of a work colleague sexually harassing her in the weeks leading up to her death. The day before Ms Steward’s body was found, Mr Rogers told workmates a truck had hit and killed her.
“He claimed he made those comments as a joke and had no knowledge the deceased had died,” Det Sgt Murphy said.
Over the course of three police interviews in 1992 and 1993, Mr Rogers admitted visiting Ms Steward three times.
After initial denials he admitted having sex with her.
Det Sgt Murphy said it was “common knowledge” Ms Steward was having an affair with another man, Keith Arthur Pengelly, around the time of her death.
Mr Pengully told police he visited her home on March 16, 1992, along with friend Shane Reed. Police found no evidence linking either man to Ms Steward’s death.
Outside court, Det Sgt Murphy said at the time of Ms Steward’s death Mr Rogers was living in Herne Hill, a suburb of Geelong, but his current address was unknown.
– AAP