Homicide squad to investigate death of Kempsey teenager Lewis 'Buddy' Kelly

After fighting for more than 35-years, the family is one step closer to justice.

The Coroner's Court of NSW recently informed the Kelly family, Greens MP David Shoebridge and lawyer Mark Tedeschi that Buddy's death is now being reviewed by a panel of detectives from the Homicide Squad.

Buddy's sister Monica Kelly is hopeful the family's questions will finally be answered.

"Our family have been demanding answers and justice for Buddy's death for decades, we sincerely hope that this change now means we are closer to the truth of what happened," Ms Kelly said.

Mr Shoebridge welcomed the decision to further investigate the mystery surrounding the 16-year-old's death and hopes all leads are examined.

"The Homicide Squad is a highly trained and specialised squad who have independence from the initial investigation by local police," Mr Shoebridge said.

"Given the time that has passed since Buddy's death it is of critical importance that all relevant information, evidence and possible witnesses are promptly considered by the squad to finally get some answers.

"Every family deserves answers about the death of a loved one. Buddy was just sixteen when he died and his family have waited 35 years too long for justice."

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Investigations were reopened in July last year, when the state coroner referred the matter to NSW Police to look into Buddy's death and interview witnesses who weren't spoken to at the time.

Mr Shoebridge and Buddy's family made demands to ensure this investigation, different to the 1984 and 2015 inquiries, brought justice for Buddy.

They had requested an independent investigation, involvement from the Homicide Squad and a reward for information.

Those pleas had fallen on deaf ears until now.

At the time of Buddy's death, the world was at his feet.

The athletic youngster had recently begun an apprenticeship, was saving money for his future and was eight-weeks away from travelling to America to compete in prestigious tennis tournaments.

However, on New Year's Eve 1983, Buddy's life was cut short and the mystery surrounding his final hours remains.

Buddy attended a party at the skatepark in West Kempsey with mates and as the celebrations dwindled, the teenagers began heading home.

Buddy was last seen alive walking up the stairs of the railway bridge which connects West Kempsey with South.

Buddy's body was found on train tracks in South Kempsey the next day and despite initial investigations concluding the apprentice glazier was responsible for his own death, his family maintains he was murdered.

Monica told the Argus in July last year, there was no way Buddy made the decision to end his life.

"There was no real reason for him to want to take his own life, which is what is stated on his death certificate. He had everything going for him. There's no chance that he would have done that, there had to be foul play," Monica said.

"We will always fight for what we believe and what we know is right. We know the person that Buddy was."

Police encourage anyone with information on the events which led to the death of Lewis Buddy Kelly to come forward.

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