The coroner’s inquest into the death of fraudster Melissa Caddick heard that her husband, Anthony Koletti, provided two hypotheses as to where she may have gone after fleeing from her Sydney mansion.
She may have been hiding at the Meriton hotel in Bondi Junction with a “big wad of cash” or preparing for a dramatic courtroom entrance on November 27.
On Wednesday, Detective Sergeant Michael Kyneur returned to the NSW Coroners Court in Lidcombe to testify for a second day about what transpired after he assumed responsibility for the investigation into the missing conwoman.
On November 24, 2020, Louise Coleman, the coroner’s assistant counsel, accompanied the police officer to his second interview with part-time DJ and hairdresser Mr. Koletti.
Okay, where do you believe she is? Detective Sergeant Kyneur reads the transcript of their interrogation.
“I do not know where she is… Mr. Koletti stated at the time, “If she is going to appear, she will appear in court.”
At the coroner’s inquest concerning the disappearance of con artist Melissa Caddick (center), the police interview transcript of Anthony Koletti (right) was read. Mr. Koletti informed police that his wife may have concealed in the Meriton in Bondi Junction.
She will arrive on the 27th of this month, which is Friday.
Okay, why has she not called you? Detective Sergeant Kyneur continues.
Do you think she wants to deal with the s*** storm that I’m dealing with when there’s no reason for her to? Mr Koletti said.
The investigator said, “That’s remarkable, your wife has gone missing.”
Ms. Coleman questioned whether it was accurate to state that he rejected Mr. Koletti’s theory.
“I always had questions about his accounts, especially if he had evidence that she was safe and well but was withholding it from the police,” he added.
Mr. Koletti further suggested that she was staying at the Bondi Junction Meriton.
“It was a significant location for us in our early years,” he explained.
She would be staying in a modest hotel because she lacks identification.
‘For all I know, she could have a large amount of cash lying under the bed. She demonstrates resourcefulness.
At this point, Detective Sergeant Kyneur was aware that the Meriton at Bondi had no record of Ms. Caddick ever staying there, but he did not mention this to Mr. Koletti.
For his second day of testimony, Detective Sergeant Michael Kyneur returned to the NSW Coroners Court in Lidcombe. When questioning Mr. Koletti, the sergeant was aware that the Meriton had no record of Ms. Caddick ever having slept there.
I did not see any value in pursuing it further. He was not under suspicion. I simply took notes during the session,’ the witness stated.
However, he was initially suspicious.
He stated, “I received the impression that he knew something because of the disarray in his story.”
Before he was removed as the investigation’s OIC, Detective Sergeant Kyneur did not alert the homicide squad or put up a crime scene.
He stated, “There was no indication of a fight, violence, or murder.”
Attorney Judy Swan, appearing on behalf of Mr. Koletti, questioned the witness as to whether traumatized individuals could present confusing evidence.
‘Yes,’ Detective Sergeant Kyneur answered.
If a witness is under stress, is it rare for them to provide contradictory testimony? Ms Swan said.
‘Correct’ was his response.
He concurred that Mr. Koletti was excited about police involvement.
Mr. Koletti stated that his wife was quite resourceful and could have had a “big wad of cash” hidden under the bed. Mr. Koletti informed police that he and his wife frequented the Meriton in Bondi Junction (shown) during their early years of marriage.
On November 11, 2021, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission raided Ms. Caddick’s residence in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.
This is the final confirmed sighting of the con artist.
The following morning, she was reportedly heard leaving early to workout. 30 hours later, her husband, Anthony Koletti, notified police that she had not returned.
Caddick’s foot was discovered months later on the South Coast of New South Wales in an old Asics shoe.
The investigation continues before Deputy State Coroner Elizabeth Ryan.