d: 2010
Summary
Name:
Edward Arthur Anthony RawlinsNickname:
Tony RawlinsYears Active:
1955Status:
DeceasedClass:
MurdererVictims:
1Method:
StrangulationDeath:
April 17, 2010Nationality:
Australiad: 2010
Summary: Murderer
Name:
Edward Arthur Anthony RawlinsNickname:
Tony RawlinsStatus:
DeceasedVictims:
1Method:
StrangulationNationality:
AustraliaDeath:
April 17, 2010Years Active:
1955Date Convicted:
February 15, 1956“I might as well tell you now that I killed her.”
— Edward Arthur Anthony Rawlins
Edward Arthur Anthony Rawlins was born in 1927 in Australia. Growing up, he faced a challenging childhood. He eventually became a stockman, which involved working with cattle and horses. He married and had a son. During his early adult years, he struggled with alcoholism.
In December 1955, at the age of 28, Edward encountered a 12-year-old girl named Urica Fiona Denise Verdova, often called Fiona. They met at Kissing Point Military Reserve in Townsville, Queensland. On December 28, they spent time together at the beach. Edward bought Fiona lunch and they chatted for a while.
This interaction would sadly lead to tragic events. The following day, Edward was arrested. His actions shocked the community of Townsville. After his arrest, he was charged with murder. In February 1956, he was sentenced to life in prison. Edward would go on to spend over 50 years behind bars, ultimately passing away in 2010 at the age of 82 while still in prison.
On December 28, 1955, Edward Arthur Anthony Rawlins murdered a 12-year-old girl named Urica Fiona Denise Verdova, commonly known as Fiona Pronger, in Townsville, Queensland, Australia. Rawlins met Fiona at a beach near Kissing Point. He bought her lunch and suggested they explore the caves at the military reserve.
While they were at the gun emplacements, Rawlins attempted to sexually assault her. When Fiona rejected his advances and threatened to tell her parents, Rawlins became aggressive. He used a belt to strangle her, which led to her losing consciousness. Afterward, he tied her hands with twine and concealed her body in an underground vault.
The next day, December 29, police discovered Fiona's body. Rawlins was arrested shortly after and allegedly confessed to killing her. He was charged with murder and appeared in court where a large crowd expressed their anger and outrage.
On February 15, 1956, Rawlins was sentenced to life in prison. He remained in incarceration for 54 years and attempted to seek parole multiple times but was always denied. Rawlins died in prison on April 17, 2010, at the age of 82.
