DESCRIPTION:
- 27 years of age.
- Olive complexion.
- 5 feet 2 inches (157cm) tall.
- Slim build.
- Dark hair.
- Last seen wearing a red topper coat, a blue nylon blouse, a red denim skirt, and black shoes.
QUICK CASE FACTS:
- Miss Williams, was a nursing assistant at Tresillian Hospital in Nedlands.
- Last seen around 7:00pm on Friday 7 November 1958 saying she was intending to retire early for the night.
- Soon after she left the hospital without her make-up, cigarettes and handbag.
- Reported missing on 9 November 1958.
- Located in a shallow grave on Sorrento Beach early on Tuesday 16 December 1958.
BACKGROUND:
Barbara May Williams, was born in January 1931. She was a nursing assistant at the Tresillian Hospital, which was located on the corner of Edward and Tyrell Streets in Nedlands. Miss Williams had worked there for approximately two years. She lived on the premises in a staff area and had her own room.
CASE DETAILS:
At about 6:30pm on 7 November 1958, Miss Williams finished work and told friends she intended to retire early for the night. At 7pm she was seen by a ward maid, hanging out her washing. Miss Williams gave the ward maid money to buy her a newspaper, she then retired to her room. When the ward maid returned with a newspaper around 7:45pm Miss William’s room was in darkness and she did not answer the door.
Miss Williams was dressed in her work clothing, which consisted of a red topper, blue blouse, red skirt and black shoes.
Police believe that between 7pm and 7:45pm, Miss Williams left the hospital to go to an unknown destination. Her make-up, cigarettes and handbag were left in her room suggesting that she was not intending to go out for any extended length of time.
Miss Williams was not at the hospital the following day and was reported as a “Missing Friend” by the second in charge at the Tresillian Hospital on 9 November 1958.
LOCATED:
At 6.30am on Tuesday, 16 December 1958, a body was located in a shallow grave in the sand dunes near the intersection of West Coast Highway and Ross Avenue, Sorrento Beach by a member of the public. During an examination of this scene by police, detectives located a signet ring, engraved with the initials ”B.W” , an upper denture and the sleeve of a red coat. The body was identified as being Miss Williams.
The person or persons responsible for Miss Williams’ murder have not yet been identified.
If you have any information about the murder of Barbara May Williams, or her movements on Friday 7 November 1958, please contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make an online report below. Please remember that you can remain anonymous if you wish and rewards are offered.
