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A $1million reward has been offered in the hope that homicide detectives can finally solve the mysterious and suspicious death of a young woman on the NSW Mid North Coast more than two decades ago.
Harmony Bryant, 26, was suffering multiple fractures and severe burns to 60 per cent of her body when she was found clinging to life in bushland near Bonny Hills, south of Port Macquarie, on August 16, 2003.
Her Hyundai Excel was found alight nearby, 200metres from the road.
While fighting for life in hospital, Ms Bryant tried to communicate with her family by silently mouthing what had happened to her, but without success.
She succumbed to her injuries a month later and her death has plagued detectives since.
Evidence indicated Ms Bryant fell off a nearby cliff before being brought back to her car.
Eight years later, a coroner ruled the 26-year-old died from burns caused by a person or persons unknown and referred the case to the homicide squad.
Her death would have continued to be treated as non-suspicious if her family had not conducted their own investigation into the incident, according to the coroner's report.
Police have increased the reward for information into the 2003 murder of Harmony Bryant
The 26-year-old was suffering multiple fractures and severe burns to 60 per cent of her body when she was found clinging to life in bushland near Bonny Hills on the NSW Mid North Coast
He criticised the initial police investigation and ruled that the officer-in-charge made an incorrect assessment about the case, even after receiving information suggesting something was amiss.
As a result, opportunities available in the 'vital' 48 hours after Ms Bryant was found had been missed, the coroner added.
No one has ever been charged over her death, despite extensive inquiries.
Police found that Ms Bryant had booked accommodation for two people at a nearby caravan, but a second person has never been identified.
The NSW government and police offered a $100,000 reward in 2011 for information about her murder.
On Thursday, it was increased to $1million, a day before what should have been Ms Bryant's 49th birthday.
'The reward is an opportunity for someone to help deliver justice and bring long-overdue closure to Harmony's family,' Homicide Squad Commander, Detective Superintendent Joe Doueihi said.
'Our investigation has established that Harmony was not alone that night.
Karen Bryant (right) and son Jeremy (centre) finally hope to get some answers about what happened to Harmony (left)
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'We are confident someone in the community has information that can help us identify the second person.'
Police Minister Yasmin Catley added: 'It's been over 20 years since Harmony's death and in that time her loved ones have lived with the grief of not knowing what happened to her on that night.'
'If anyone out there knows what happened to Harmony, they now have one million reasons to come forward.
'Even the smallest detail may be the missing piece police need to solve this horrific crime.'
Ms Bryant's grieving family also issued a heartfelt plea for answers.
'Today, you have been offered $1million and one reason to come forward, remembering this time, this is our daughter, and our sister,' her mother Karen urged.
'Next time, it might just be yours. Tomorrow, it's Harmony's birthday. Do it for her.'
Until this week, Karen had all but given up hope, after decades of trying to uncover the truth of what happened.
Karen Bryant issued an emotional plea for answers on the eve of what should have been her daughter's 49th birthday
Her sons had told her to take a step back from the investigation for her wellbeing.
'It doesn't matter what I say now because it's never going to happen,' Karen told the Daily Mail last November.
'I'd love for it to happen. When the inquest ended, my sons sat me down and talked to me about it.
'They said mum we have already lost Harmony and our dad, we can't lose you too, you have to take a step back.'
Anyone with information about Ms Bryant death is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.
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