It’s a story that has haunted one community for a quarter of a century—a brutal double murder, two families left shattered, and a daughter’s life forever changed.
Now, as police launch a fresh investigation into the cold case, the daughter of one of the victims has delivered a powerful message to her mother’s killer, and there’s renewed hope that justice may finally be served.
For Samantha Kay, Mother’s Day in 2000 was supposed to be a day of celebration and love. Instead, it became the day her world was turned upside down.
Just nine years old at the time, Samantha knew something was wrong when her mum, Susan Kay, didn’t answer the phone.
What she couldn’t have known was that her mother and her mother’s friend, Joanne Teterin, had already been dead for three days—victims of a horrific attack in Joanne’s Carrington home.
It would be several more agonising days before police discovered their bodies. The news devastated Samantha, who recalls the moment her father told her she would never see her mum again.
‘My world shattered immediately. I could not believe or accept that my mum was gone. I woke up the next morning, convinced it was just a bad dream,’ she wrote in a moving open letter, now published as the case is reopened.
The pain of losing a parent is something many of us can relate to, but the circumstances of Susan’s death—bludgeoned as she slept, alongside her friend—are almost unimaginable. For Samantha, the grief was compounded by confusion and anger.
‘As I got older, I learned of the horrific circumstances of my mum’s death. How could someone do this to her? Why would someone cut her life so short?’
Despite extensive police interviews and a coronial inquest, no one has ever been charged. The case has remained a dark cloud over the families and the wider Newcastle community, with many still asking: who could commit such a senseless act, and why?
Now, 25 years on, there’s renewed hope. New South Wales Police have established Strike Force Raphoe II to re-examine the case, using advances in forensic technology and a fresh set of eyes to review all original evidence.
Homicide Squad Commander Detective Superintendent Joe Doueihi has reaffirmed the police’s commitment: ‘It was a brutal crime which has remained unsolved for 25 years. Homicide detectives are committed to seeking justice for the families of Susan and Joanne.’
The new investigation will examine all previous lines of inquiry and explore new forensic possibilities that were unavailable in 2000.
With DNA analysis and other scientific techniques having advanced significantly, there’s optimism that even the smallest piece of evidence could finally lead to a breakthrough.
Samantha’s open letter is more than a plea for answers—it’s a testament to the enduring strength of those left behind.
She wrote directly to her mother’s killer, expressing the pain and anger that have shaped her life, but also her determination to see justice done.
‘When I realised it was not [a dream], I broke all over again. This occurred on a daily basis for as long as I can remember.’
Police are urging anyone with information to come forward.
‘We remain focused on finding the person or persons responsible and renew our appeal for anyone who may have held on to information—no matter how seemingly insignificant—to reach out to police. The families of Susan and Joanne deserve much-needed answers and justice,’ said Doueihi.
If you have any information about the deaths of Susan Kay and Joanne Teterin, contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit their website.
Have you or someone you know been affected by an unsolved crime? How did it impact your life, and what advice would you give others still searching for answers? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
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