A long-running investigation into the 1989 murder of Toowoomba teenager Annette Mason has taken another step forward, with a reopened coronial inquest hearing new evidence from a witness who said she independently tried to uncover answers about the case.

Annette Mason was 15 years old when she was found dead inside her Toowoomba home in November 1989. Her death has remained unsolved for decades, with no person ever charged over the killing. A previous inquest in 1991 was unable to determine who was responsible, but the case was reopened years later after continued efforts from Annette’s family and the emergence of further information.

During the latest hearing, a woman whose identity has been suppressed told the inquest she became involved in trying to solve the case after following developments through media reports and podcasts. She told the court she contacted people connected to the investigation and attempted to gather information herself.

The witness said she had conversations with people previously identified as persons of interest in relation to Annette’s death. She gave evidence about statements allegedly made during those conversations, including claims about who may have been responsible and details surrounding the night Annette died.

The woman told the court she had not immediately gone to police because she was unsure whether her information would be believed. She later acknowledged during questioning that taking the investigation into her own hands was risky, describing her actions as “reckless”, but said she was proud that she tried to seek answers.

The inquest also heard that some of the people mentioned in the woman’s evidence rejected her claims and denied any involvement in Annette’s death. They maintained they had no connection to the crime and disputed parts of her testimony.

Annette’s family has spent decades seeking justice and answers. The reopened inquest was granted after continued advocacy from relatives who hoped new evidence, including advances in forensic techniques, could help provide further information about what happened.

The case has remained one of Queensland’s most closely followed cold cases. Annette’s family and supporters have repeatedly called for the truth about her death to be established and for whoever was responsible to be held accountable.

The latest hearings have now concluded, with legal representatives expected to provide written submissions to the Queensland State Coroner. A final finding will be delivered at a later date.

The inquest does not determine criminal guilt but aims to establish facts surrounding a death, including how, when and where a person died and any circumstances that may have contributed.

After almost four decades, Annette Mason’s family continues to wait for answers. The renewed investigation highlights the ongoing efforts of families of cold-case victims who continue searching for truth, accountability and closure.