This was published 1 year ago
Detectives obtain search warrant for suspected cold case murder
By Cloe Read
Queensland detectives investigating the suspected cold case murder of Meaghan Louise Rose have obtained a search warrant for a 70-year-old Victorian man.
Rose, 25, from Victoria, was found dead at the base of Point Cartwright Cliffs at Mooloolaba, on the Sunshine Coast, in July 1997.
Queensland police initially ruled her death a suicide, but after re-examining the case, a $500,000 appeal was announced last month regarding her case, as her family wait for answers.
The $500,000 police appeal centred on the knowledge that, in 1996, a life insurance policy was taken out on Rose by her partner.
On Friday, detectives obtained a warrant for 70-year-old Keith Lees, who they will allege was known to Rose.
Homicide detectives visited his Victorian home on June 25 to speak to him, and a day later, his car was found abandoned at Portland, with police starting a search and rescue mission.
“Mr Lees provided a false name when spoken to by police later that day in Port Fairy, Victoria,” Queensland police said in a statement.
Police later tracked Lees to Waurn Ponds Shopping Centre, near Geelong, where he purchased new clothes.
He was also spotted leaving Shepparton Train Station, wearing a black and white jacket.
Police investigations suggest Lees might be looking for casual work in the farming and fruit picking industries, and it is believed he could still be in Victoria or has travelled interstate.
Police have urged Lees, or anyone with information, to immediately contact police.
The public was warned not to approach him and to call triple-0.
At the time of the appeal, Rose’s sister, Fiona Ratcliffe, said the 25-year-old had been a bubbly, happy-go-lucky person.
“She would always be on the phone, always keeping up to date and always being a part of what was happening,” Ratcliffe said at the time.
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