About 9.30pm on Tuesday June 8 2004, George Howlett, 49, answered a knock at the door of his home in Fitzroy Street when he was fatally shot.

Investigators believe he may have known his killer(s).

Since his death, Orana Local Area Command and State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad detectives had been investigating the murder.

Police believe at least two people were involved in Mr Howlett’s murder and that he may have associated with the killer(s) prior to his death.

Investigators are appealing to anyone from the Lightning Ridge community who has any information to contact police.

Orana Local Area Command Crime Manager Detective Inspector Michael Willing told the Daily Liberal in 2004 they would be looking into Mr Howlett’s past in a bid to find a motive for the slaying.

Detectives are now aware Mr Howlett had close ties to the Lightning Ridge community and that he frequently visited the town.

Police allege he was shot a number of times with, which killed him instantly.

“This man was basically executed in his home,” Detective Inspector Willing said in 2004.

His wife, who was in another room ran to the front door after hearing gunshots and found her husband lying on the floor in the hallway.

Ambulance officers and police attended the home shortly after the shooting but the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

A short time after the murder, a white or light-coloured tray-back utility, similar to a Toyota Hilux and believed to be a dual cab, was seen speeding off from Myall Street.

Investigators are actively pursuing information regarding Mr Howlett and in particular his links to the Lightning Ridge area.

Anyone who has information or who was in the area on the night and saw either the vehicle or person(s) acting suspiciously, is urged to contact Dubbo Police on 6883 1599 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Information can be provided anonymously.

Listen to Orana Local Area Command Detective Sargeant Mark Meredith speaking to the meda in relation to the 2004 murder of Dubbo man George Howlett