Following decades of heartache, the family of Melissa Trussell (Brown) have joined police in a renewed call for information regarding the historic disappearance of the 15-year-old, and unsolved murder of her mother, Rosemary.
Rosemary Brown, 33, along with her daughter Melissa, were last seen leaving their Blair Athol home at about 2.30am on Saturday 13 May, 2000.
Today marks exactly 25 years since Rosemary's body was discovered in the mangroves at Garden Island on 2 July 2000. Melissa's remains have never been found.
Detective Superintendent Darren Fielke, Officer in Charge of Major Crime Investigation Branch urged anyone with information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to come forward.
"This is a particularly disturbing case. A mother was murdered and her body disposed of. We believe Melissa was also murdered," he said.
"It's tragic for the family of Rosemary and Melissa to experience this long passage of time with no answers about what happened to their loved ones.
"I have no doubt that numerous people either know what happened to Rosemary and Melissa or have information that will assist the investigation into their suspected murder.
"We appeal to them to contact police and provide that information."
South Australia Police (SAPOL) investigators have today released additional childhood photos of Melissa as part of a renewed public plea for information.
Recently visiting their last believed location – Stirling Street, Northfield – Melissa's father Barry and half-sister Kayla reminisced on childhood memories regarding Melissa, while expressing their desire for closure.
Describing Melissa as her "best friend", Kayla hoped to one day give her the farewell she deserves.
"We need to know where she is and what happened to her," she pleaded.
"We want to see the person or people who have caused our pain brought to justice."
Barry echoed Kayla's appeal for answers 25 years on.
"My message to the people responsible, because I don't believe it to be just one person: it's better to come forward now with information," he said.
"A parent shouldn't outlive their child… and for a long time (Melissa's disappearance) has messed me up.
"I'm hoping some fresh information will finally come to light to help police solve the case."
Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au – you can remain anonymous.
Rewards up to $1,000,000 will be paid by the Government of South Australia, at the discretion of the Commissioner of Police, to anyone who provides information and assistance that leads to the conviction of the person or persons responsible for the suspected murder of Melissa Trussell (Brown) (and/or leading to the location and recovery of the victim's remains).
Rewards up to $200,000 will be paid by the Government of South Australia, at the discretion of the Commissioner of Police, to anyone who provides information and assistance that leads to the conviction of the person or persons responsible for the suspected murder of Rosemary Brown.
Edited footage
Raw media footage
New photos of Melissa Trussell (Brown)
