Simone Strobel's Boyfriend Accuses Police of 'Tunnel Vision' in Cold Case Investigation

A Perth man who was once the main suspect in the murder of his backpacker girlfriend Simone Strobel has spoken out about the case, accusing investigators of "tunnel vision" and protesting his innocence.

Tobias Moran, previously known as Tobias Suckfuell, has given his first media interview since Ms Strobel's death in 2005 to the Unravel: Lies In Lismore podcast. For almost 20 years, New South Wales Police regarded him as the main suspect in the murder of his 25-year-old German girlfriend.

Background of the Case

Ms Strobel disappeared from a caravan park in Lismore late at night after the pair had an argument in February, 2005. Her naked body, which had been covered by palm fronds, was found less than 100 metres away from the couple's campsite six days later.

Mr Moran became an early suspect after he lied to police about arguing with Ms Strobel the night she disappeared, and about how much they had to drink. He also lied about not smoking marijuana and encouraged two other German travellers, Mr Moran's sister and a friend, to tell the same lies.

Charges and Inquiries

In 2022, Mr Moran was charged with murder and intending to pervert the course of justice. The lies he told were a central part of the case against him, but the charges were dropped the following year. A NSW Local Court later found he was charged without reasonable grounds.

Mr Moran told the podcast he lied because he believed police were not taking her disappearance seriously. He claimed police were reassuring him that Ms Strobel was probably OK and had likely hitchhiked to another town.

"I was not lying for any other reason than to get these guys to take Simone serious," he said. "I knew … that she was not on a bender in Nimbin or having a great time in Byron Bay."

Criticisms of the Investigation

Mr Moran claimed he had been unfairly targeted by police due to what he called "tunnel vision".

"This entire case has been based on a theory, on a hypothesis, and crucial evidence has not been considered," Mr Moran said, adding that he believed the killer was still at large in Lismore. "It's time for someone from the New South Wales Police to step forward and go, 'Sorry, we are really sorry' … they should apologise to my wife and my kids for locking me up."

NSW Police declined to answer detailed questions about Mr Moran's criticisms, instead issuing a statement saying the matter is currently being assessed by the Unsolved Homicide Unit and a forensic review is being conducted in line with the coroner's recommendations.

Reaction from Ms Strobel's Family

Ms Strobel's parents, Gabi and Gustav, still regard Mr Moran's lies as suspicious and believe he is yet to tell them the full truth of what happened to their daughter on the night she died.

The mystery of what happened to Simone Strobel remains unsolved.