A Brutal Crime in Ferntree Gully
Margaret Christine Tapp was a 35-year-old nurse and law student. She lived with her nine-year-old daughter Seana in Ferntree Gully. Late on the 6th of August or early on the 7th of August in 1984, they were attacked in their home. The offender entered without force, beat them, and strangled them with rope. Both victims were found in their beds the following day. Seana had been sexually assaulted before she was murdered. Investigators believed the killer knew the house well. The back door lock was broken, and the intruder likely exploited that weakness. However, the case quickly grew cold.
Early Confusion and the Grim Discovery
Confusion began when friends and neighbours could not reach Margaret. Her car remained in the driveway and the morning paper sat untouched. A visitor eventually entered through the rear door and found her body. Seana was discovered soon after in her bedroom. Both had been attacked while wearing their nightclothes.
A Long List of Potential Suspects
Detectives followed many possible leads. Margaret had maintained a busy social life following her 1979 divorce. She had dated several men, including medical professionals and students. Investigators interviewed former partners, friends and acquaintances. None were charged, and several were formally cleared. A former police officer was also investigated due to unwanted attention toward Margaret. He entered the house shortly after the bodies were found, raising concern. However, no evidence linked him to the crime.
Physical Evidence and DNA Setbacks
Police collected fingerprints, rope fibres and shoe impressions. Dunlop Volley footprints became the strongest early clue. Two unidentified hairs were found in Seana’s room, but they proved inconclusive. Later, a semen stain on Seana’s nightgown became vital evidence. DNA testing was not available in 1984, but technology improved by 2008. A man named Russell John Gesah was charged after a supposed DNA match. Yet the charges collapsed when tests were revealed to be contaminated. The contamination cast doubt over previous DNA exclusions. It also weakened the future admissibility of any new match. This setback remains one of the most significant blows to the investigation.
Community Trauma and Ongoing Theories
Residents of Kelvin Drive were deeply affected by the murders. Children sensed the fear surrounding the crime, even without full details. Former neighbours later suggested a possible link to Seana’s Brownies troupe. Some individuals connected to the group allegedly displayed concerning behaviour. However, no official investigation ever advanced that line of inquiry. Journalists have also suggested checking the shoe sizes of former Brownies or Guides volunteers. Nevertheless, no confirmed suspect has been identified.
A Case Still Unsolved
Despite decades of work, the murders remain unsolved. The physical evidence is limited, and key DNA samples still carry uncertainty. Even so, investigators continue to review the case when new information emerges. The Dunlop Volley footprints and preserved exhibits still offer hope. Margaret and Seana’s families have waited more than forty years for answers.
Know Something? Say Something!
Anyone with knowledge relevant to this case should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
