Sydney, Australia – Roger Rogerson, the once-celebrated New South Wales detective whose career unraveled amid a web of controversy and ultimately landed him in prison for murder, has died at the age of 83.
Rogerson, nicknamed “The Dodger” for his apparent ability to evade corruption investigations, spent 28 years in the police force, earning commendations for bravery and racking up an impressive arrest record. He was hailed as a hero for his role in dismantling armed robbery gangs and cracking major drug cases.
However, Rogerson’s reputation began to tarnish in the late 1990s when he was linked to a series of inquiries into police misconduct. He was eventually charged and acquitted of multiple offenses, including framing a suspect and conspiring to pervert the course of justice.
In 2016, Rogerson’s fall from grace reached its nadir when he was found guilty, along with fellow detective Glen McNamara, of the 2014 murder of 20-year-old student Jamie Gao. The pair lured Gao to a warehouse in Sydney under the pretense of a drug deal before shooting him dead and dumping his body in the ocean.
Rogerson’s conviction sent shockwaves through Australia and tarnished the reputation of the NSW police force. He was sentenced to life imprisonment, where he remained until his death on Sunday, January 22, 2024, while receiving end-of-life care at Prince of Wales Hospital.
Reactions to Rogerson’s death have been mixed. Some have expressed relief that a convicted murderer is no longer among the living, while others have acknowledged his past achievements as a police officer while condemning his later crimes.
NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb said in a statement, “Roger Rogerson was a complex figure who leaves behind a legacy of both outstanding police work and serious criminal offending. His actions have had a profound impact on the lives of many people, and his death will undoubtedly prompt further reflection on this dark chapter in our state’s history.”
Rogerson’s death marks the end of a tumultuous life that embodied both the best and worst of policing. His story serves as a stark reminder of the potential for corruption and violence within law enforcement, and the importance of holding those in positions of power accountable for their actions.