The appeal comes as WA Police Force releases the second case in the Cold Case Western Australia podcast series, which examines the murder of Mr Podpinka.
In the podcast, host Neil Poh details the difficult life and tragic demise of the 43-year-old man – a defenceless disability support pensioner who emigrated from Poland to Perth in 1983.
“Andrew lived with multiple illnesses and conditions that rendered him mostly house-bound,” Poh explains. “His physical limitations make the violent nature of his murder all the more confronting – it’s difficult to imagine how he could have defended himself from such a horrific attack.”
Mr Podpinka was savagely stabbed multiple times in the bedroom of his Hannans Street home on 4 March 1999.
Three days after the attack, an anonymous call was made from a public phone box to the police triple-zero number.
In that call, a man hinted he had information about the murder before saying “I think it might be better if I keep me mouth shut" and hanging up.
Cold Case Investigation Squad Detective Sergeant Kevin Glynn said he hoped the podcast would trigger someone’s memory and conscience, and encourage them to come forward with information.
“We are always looking for new opportunities to progress unsolved crimes and we’re hopeful a new piece of information will enable us to progress this investigation,” Det-Sgt Glynn said.
Mr Podpinka’s murder is examined over two episodes, with the first being launched today (Wednesday 13 November 2024).
Series 2 of the Cold Case Western Australia podcast also examines the deaths of Lisa Mott, Laura Muckersie and Annette Deverell, and is accessible by searching “Western Australia Police Force Cold Case” on your preferred podcast platform, or on the official podcasts from WA Police Force page.
Season 2, Episode 3: Andrew Podpinka - Part 1
In the podcast, the lead detective of the original investigation, Darren Seivwright, told Poh the savagery of the attack on Mr Podpinka was baffling.
“I think he weighed slightly over 50 kilos, a burglar could have simply pushed him away and left and we probably still would be none the wiser, particularly given nothing was stolen,” now-Commander Seivwright recalled.
“So why then, did the offender deal with Mr. Podpinka in such a brutal and violent way to end his life?”
Mr Podpinka was described as 173cm tall with light skin, slim build, brown hair and brown eyes.
On 4 March 1999, Mr Podpinka’s wife and daughter left the family home to go shopping about 1.30pm on Thursday 4 March.
A neighbour saw Mr Podpinka standing at the front of his home about 2.45pm – which was the last confirmed sighting of him.
His family returned home about 3.45pm and found his body on the floor of the main bedroom. He had suffered multiple stab wounds.
