UPDATED: Police are urgently seeking the former partner of a woman presumed murdered and whose body was found a quarter of a century ago at the base of a Sunshine Coast cliff.
Keith Lees, 70, was last seen in Portland, Victoria, on Monday morning following a visit from detectives investigating the 1997 death of Meaghan Louise Rose.
His vehicle, a silver Holden Captiva, was located at Cape Nelson Lighthouse eight-and-a-half hours later with police immediately launching a search involving the Victorian force’s Air Wing.
Originally ruled suicide, Ms Rose’s death is the subject of a $500,000 reward for information about her murder announced by Queensland detectives on Tuesday.
The 25-year-old’s body was discovered at the bottom of Point Cartwright Cliffs at Mooloolaba while her car was abandoned at the top of the cliff.
In 2009, the investigation was reopened but her murder remains unsolved.
Ms Rose had moved from Victoria to Queensland with Mr Lees, who was more than 20 years older than her. The couple moved to the Sunshine Coast with his young son.
Once there, a life insurance policy was taken out for Ms Rose containing a clause that it had to run for 13 months before coverage applied in the case of suicide.
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She was found dead 13 months and three days later, with a $203,000 payout later claimed.
“We do believe that with public assistance, irrespective of the passage of time, this crime can be solved,” Queensland Police Detective Senior Sergeant Tara Kentwell said on Tuesday.
“Offenders can be brought to justice and we can provide some closure to Meaghan ‘s family and friends.”
Ms Rose was one of four siblings – her father has since died and her mother suffers dementia.
“From day one, we never believed this was suicide,” sister Fiona said.
“At the time of her death, just 25 years of age, she had bought her first car.
“She bought her first home and she moved interstate to a place where she always wanted to be.”
Ms Rose told friends and family in the days before her death her relationship was over and she intended to leave.
For decades, they clung to the hope of justice, each holding a theory about what happened.
“We saw the difference in Meaghan in the 10 months that she had been up here … her demeanour had changed,” Fiona said.
“It’s hard to explain because she was such a bubbly person. She was happy-go-lucky … but she changed.
“It was like she couldn’t talk sometimes.”
Sgt Kentwell said witnesses would be re-interviewed as police appealed for the public to help.
Victorian police say Mr Lees is of medium build, about 170cm tall and has grey receding hair.
As part of their investigation, police from the Crime and Intelligence Command are appealing to anyone who might have seen Meaghan’s white 1995 Suzuki Chino hatchback, with registration 415DNN, or anyone who was in the vicinity of Point Cartwright, on the evening of July 17, 1997.
The $500,000 Queensland Government Reward is for information that leads to the apprehension and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the murder.
The reward also offers an opportunity for indemnity against prosecution for any accomplice, not being the person who actually committed the murder, who first gives such information.
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or call 131 444.
Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
Quote this reference number: QP1701822980.
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