Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Canberra Times
The Canberra Times
National
Peter Brewer

'We just want answers': Family grieves son's death in Pialligo Ave hit and run

When Jyle Molloy-Murphy's parents said their goodbyes to their son after the Red Hot Summer concert at Stage 88 in February this year, they could never have known it was the last time they would see him alive.

Their 28-year-old son split from them after the big concert and headed to his home to Queanbeyan where his partner Jess Christensen was waiting.

His parents, who live at Bungendore, would normally have given him a lift home but had planned to stay on in the city that night after the concert.

In the hour or so after they separated, Jyle - who had not taken a vehicle to the concert - was picked up by a dark-coloured sedan.

From left Dimity Murphy, father Luke Murphy, mother Vicki Murphy, Belinda Molloy and partner Jess Christensen. Picture by Keegan Carroll

He had climbed in the car's back seat on Morshead Drive near Duntroon.

He was wearing black jeans, a black "Gee-d-up" T-shirt, Nike shoes and carried a Gucci brand bumbag.

Around 11pm, his body was found on lonely, dark Pialligo Road, between the airport and the Sutton Rd turnoff.

Police believe he had been hit by a vehicle and left to die.

Why Jyle Molloy-Murphy was walking on that stretch of road that night remains unknown but police believe either the occupants of that sedan, or those of another vehicle they are seeking, a white Toyota SUV, may be able to assist with their enquiries.

"We just want some answers. Everyone wants answers; this uncertainty is just terrible for all of us," Jyle's father, Luke Murphy, said as the bereaved and traumatised family stood beside the white roadside cross, surrounded by flower tributes marking the location where the broken body was found.

A fresh public appeal was launched on Monday to help the family seek closure on this tragic event.

The Molloy-Murphy family, from left sisters Belinda and Dimity, mother Vicki, father Luke and Jyle's partner Jess Christensen at the Pialligo site where Jyle's, inset, body was found in late February. Pictures by Peter Brewer, supplied

"Someone out there must know something; we just need them to come forward and talk to police," Luke Murphy said.

Acting Sergeant Will Stevenson, from the ACT collision investigation team, was confident there were people in the community who could assist.

"Someone could have seen something or heard something," he said.

"Someone could still know something about the collision and for a variety of reasons they have not come forward."

The roadside memorial on Pialligo Ave. Picture by Peter Brewer

A Justice for Jyle Facebook page has been established and the family is keen for it to be shared as widely as possible in the hope that may help.

In a statement, the family said Jyle's absence was felt "every day".

"Our family and loved ones have grieved the loss of Jyle for eight months with no answers as to how or why this heinous crime happened," they said.

Jyle Molloy-Murphy. Pictured supplied

"Our heartache and forever pain for Jyle is indescribably hard. The trauma has taken an impact on our family both emotionally and mentally.

"We live each day wondering if it's going to be the day our family gets the closure we need and the answers we so badly long for.

"We know that people out there know something, but may think their involvement could be misunderstood.

"We hope that they could try and put themselves in our shoes. What if this happened to someone you loved, wouldn't you want answers?"

Acting Sergeant Will Stevenson, from the ACT collision investigation team, on the stretch of road where Jyle Molloy-Murphy's body was found. Picture by Peter Brewer

Anyone who can assist police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website. Please quote reference number: 7045713. Information can be provided anonymously.

We've made it a whole lot easier for you to have your say. Our new comment platform requires only one log-in to access articles and to join the discussion on The Canberra Times website. Find out how to register so you can enjoy civil, friendly and engaging discussions. See our moderation policy here.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.