Police have renewed an appeal for anyone with information on the murder of Rosemary Brown and suspected murder of her 15-year-old daughter, Melissa Trussell, to come forward.
The appeal comes as police from Water Operations Unit today finalise searching an area known as the Mutton Cove Conservation Reserve at Osborne as part of the ongoing investigation.
Rosemary, 33, and Melissa, 15, were last seen in Blair Athol at about 2.30am on Saturday 13 May 2000.
Rosemary's handbag was discovered later that day in Stirling Street, Northfield. It was not handed into police until 23 May 2000 after a public appeal about the missing women.
Sadly, on Sunday 2 July 2000, Rosemary's body was discovered in mangroves at Garden Island.
Melissa has never been found and is believed to have been murdered.
Major Crime Investigation Branch officer in charge Detective Superintendent Darren Fielke said detectives and the families of Rosemary and Mellissa were grateful for the volume of information that has been provided by the community in recent months in response to this investigation.
"However, police are aware of members of the public who have information who have not come forward or have not assisted police,'' he said.
"This is the murder of a mother and her 15-year-old daughter. The remains of Melissa have not been found. Put yourselves in the shoes of the family of Rosemary and Melissa – they want answers about what happened to their loved ones and to recover Melissa's remains.
"If you have information, no matter how small, I implore you to contact Crime Stoppers. Your information may be the missing piece of the puzzle that leads to the family getting the answers they deserve.''
Det. Supt Fielke said investigations have resulted in detectives identifying several suspects and the searching of two homes connected with one of those suspects.
"Investigators believe more than one person was involved in the murders and the disposal of Rosemary and Melissa's bodies,'' he said.
"To those who played a minor role, or who may have found themselves in a situation they couldn't remove themselves from – now is the time to come forward and tell your story.''
A number of items of interest have been seized during the investigation, including a knife which has been submitted for DNA testing to determine whether the knife has been used in the murders.
Two vehicles of interest have been identified. The first is a two-toned brown and fawn coloured 1978 Holden VB Commodore sedan, registration SJG115. The vehicle was sprayed black sometime around the time of the disappearance of Rosemary and Melissa but before it was sold to another person and eventually disposed of.
The second vehicle is a blue Ford XD Falcon, registration UAK318. That vehicle was seen by witnesses in the Osborne area in the days after the disappearance, but before the discovery of Rosemary's body at Garden Island.
Anyone who knows the current whereabouts of these vehicles or knows who may have taken possession of the vehicle after May 2000 is asked to contact Crime Stoppers.
Investigators have established that a submerged vehicle found at Garden Island and bones found at Osborne are not related to this investigation.
Up to $1,000,000 will be paid 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).
Up to $200,000 will be paid 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.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au – you can remain anonymous.
