Convicted female murderer Tara Kehoe at large after walking away from pre-release work program at Northfield
A CONVICTED murderer serving time at Adelaide Women’s Prison for the brutal gang killing of a teenage girl remains at large after absconding from a pre-release program.
A CONVICTED murderer serving time at Adelaide Women’s Prison for the brutal gang killing of a teenage girl remains at large after absconding from a pre-release program.
Police have been searching for Tara Kehoe after she went missing early Friday afternoon.
A Corrections Department spokesman has confirmed Kehoe was taking part in a prerelease work program at a distribution centre near Fosters Rd at Northfield when she was reported missing.
“At around 12:30pm today following a routine inspection of the Northfield Distribution Centre, a low security female prisoner on work release from the Adelaide pre release centre was found to be unaccounted for,” he said.
Kehoe was among a gang of five teenagers who killed 18-year old Tracey Muzyk in December 1996.
Ms Muzyk was burned with cigarettes, scalded with boiling water and sprayed with mace at Royal Park before being stabbed with a fence post and beaten with a rock.
Kehoe, who had just turned 18 at the time of the murder, was given a non-parole period of 18 years, but an appeal saw her minimum term reduced to 15 ½ years.
Despite her violent history, police described Kehoe as a low-risk prisoner who was soon eligible for release from prison.
Those living near the prison said they had not heard any commotion at the jail on Friday afternoon.
Patrick McGirr said people had escaped from the nearby Yatala and women’s prisons numerous times since he moved to his home 13 years ago.
“It would be concerning to people if they were a pretty violent person,” he said.
“(But) the first thing they would think about is not sticking around here.”
Another resident, Paula, who requested her last name not be published, said she would not be opening her door to strangers until the woman was caught.
“I wonder where she is,” she said.
A third neighbour, who wanted to be known only as Peggy said prisoners should not be able to escape.
“You feel safer if they’re not escaping,” she said.
Kehoe is 170cm tall, 65kg with long straight brown hair and was wearing a black long sleeved T-shirt.
Anyone who sights Kehoe or who may have any information that can assist police is asked to call 131 444.