A coroner later ruled she was forced from her own home and unlawfully killed. More than two decades on, no one has ever been charged.
On the evening of August 18, 2002, 37-year-old Kath Bergamin sat down in her rented Wangaratta, Victoria, home to watch a movie. Her roommate, Sandie Riley, was working until 11 p.m. At 7:16 p.m., a close friend, Mandy Duke, called to chat about catching up soon. It was the last conversation anyone ever had with her.
A Scene That Didn't Add Up
Kath was reported missing the next day. Investigators noticed immediately that something was wrong. Her phone, purse, and belongings were all left behind. Her electric blanket was on, as she typically did before bed. Her toothbrush and towel were set out as if she were about to shower. Her handbag was tucked under her roommate's doona — a habit she'd developed to keep her younger children from getting into it — and a single red Nike ankle sock, matching the ones she'd been wearing that evening, was left in the hallway.
What Police Found
On August 22, the Homicide Squad's Missing Persons Unit took over the case and searched the home. In the backyard near the garage, they found a length of silver duct tape shaped into a figure-8, roughly the size for binding ankles. Inside, another piece of tape was found stuck to a couch cushion. Forensic testing found red fibers on the tape consistent with Kath's socks.
There was no sign of forced entry, which meant either the intruder was highly skilled, or Kath had let them in herself.
A Difficult Separation
At the time, Kath was going through a divorce from her husband, John Bergamin. Those around her described him as abusive, and his behavior reportedly escalated after Kath moved out to Wangaratta — following her, calling repeatedly, and, according to people who knew him, telling others he was considering hiring someone to give her a “fatal overdose.”
The day after Kath disappeared, John reported a fire at his farm, which he said was caused by a stray spark from welding equipment. Insurance investigators were skeptical: the fire wasn't noticed until roughly 45 minutes after he said he'd finished welding, the smoke's dark color suggested an accelerant, and the fire appeared to have started in the back seat of a Toyota Camry registered to Kath.
When police interviewed John, they noted he seemed notably unconcerned about his wife's disappearance. Investigators also described the couple's eldest son, Steven, as visibly agitated when asked about that night, giving accounts that shifted over time. Kath's two younger children reportedly gave similarly inconsistent versions of events. No family member has ever been charged in connection with Kath's disappearance.
The Coronial Inquest
A coronial inquest was held in 2007–2008. The coroner formally found that Kath had been “forced to leave” her home and was “unlawfully killed” — but concluded there was insufficient evidence at that time to identify who was responsible.
New Leads Over the Years
In 2017, police received an anonymous letter containing a plea for protection along with details investigators believed only someone connected to Kath's disappearance could have known. Police released the first two letters of the writer's suburb — “BE” — hoping to identify them, without success.
In September 2020, five people — four from Victoria and one from New South Wales — were brought in for questioning. All were released without charge, though police said they were re-testing evidence from Kath's home in hopes of a DNA match.
The Family's Push for Justice
By 2023, Kath's brother, Roger Russell, and their elderly mother, Margaret, were publicly calling on Victoria Police and prosecutors to bring charges based on whatever evidence currently exists, arguing that time was working against the case as witnesses and potential suspects age and pass away. As of the 23rd anniversary in August 2025, police say the investigation remains active, though no charges have yet been filed.
Where the Case Stands Now
A $1 million reward remains on offer for information leading to the identification, arrest, and conviction of the person or persons responsible for Kath's death.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has Kath Bergamin's body ever been found?
No. Despite extensive searches of bushland around Wangaratta and Cheshunt, her remains have never been recovered.
Did a coroner rule on what happened to her?
Yes. A 2008 coronial inquest found she was forced from her home and unlawfully killed, but concluded there wasn't enough evidence to identify a responsible party.
Has anyone been charged in her death?
No. Several people, including family members, have been questioned by police over the years, but no charges have ever been filed against anyone.
Is there still a reward for information?
Yes, a $1 million reward remains on offer.