Police have identified two vehicles of interest as investigations into the murder of Rosemary Brown and suspected murder of her daughter Melissa Trussell intensify.
The development in the cold case murder investigation follows the conclusion of a search at Garden Island by Water Operations Unit divers that included close examination of a submerged vehicle located within the search area.
No further evidence has been located at Garden Island and that vehicle is no longer of interest in the investigation.
Major Crime Investigation Branch officer-in-charge Detective Superintendent Darren Fielke said there had been a positive response to calls by police for further information to assist the investigation.
"As a direct result of information provided by members of the public, two new vehicles of interest have been identified,'' he said.
The first vehicle is a blue coloured Ford XD Falcon sedan. This vehicle was seen by a member of the public on several nights in the Osborne area in the days following the disappearance of Rosemary and Melissa in mid-May 2000, but prior to Rosemary's body being found on 2 July 2000.
The second vehicle is a fawn coloured Holden VB Commodore sedan with a distinctive brown trim on the lower part of the vehicle.
At this time police are still attempting to establish the exact role that vehicle played in the murder of Rosemary, 33 and suspected murder of Melissa, 15.
A previous caller to Crime Stoppers has provided valuable information in relation to the fawn Holden VB Commodore, which has assisted with progressing the investigation. Police are very grateful for this information and would like to speak to that person again and have urged them to contact Crime Stoppers.
Det. Supt Fielke appealed for anyone who might have information about either of these two vehicles to contact police through Crime Stoppers.
This includes anyone; who saw the blue Ford Falcon in the Osborne or Garden Island areas between 13 May and 2 July 2000; or who has any information about the fawn Holden VB Commodore.
"This is a particularly disturbing case. A mother was murdered and her body disposed of and her teenage child remains missing, believed murdered. We believe that more than one person was involved in this horrific crime. These offenders murdered a mother and a 15 year old child,'' he said.
"Someone knows something about these murders and we implore those who know anything about this case to contact Crime Stoppers"
Det. Supt. Fielke said investigations into cold case murders and long term missing persons were challenging, but "there is a dogged determination on the part of the detectives assigned to this investigation to identify and prosecute those responsible for the murder of Rosemary and Melissa."
"It is vitally important for the family and also to ensure those responsible are held accountable for their actions,'' he said.
A reward of up to $1,000,000 is on offer 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 her remains).
A similar reward is on offer of up to $200,000, 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.
"These rewards are a significant amount of money and can be life changing for anyone who has information and is willing to come forward and assist. Now is the time to come forward," Det. Supt. Fielke said.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au – you can remain anonymous.
