Meaghan Louise Rose death: Arrest warrant issued for defacto partner
An arrest warrant has been issued for a 70-year-old man wanted over the alleged cold case murder of Meaghan Rose on the Sunshine Coast in 1997.
Police & Courts
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Police have obtained an arrest warrant and are closing in on a 70-year-old man who allegedly murdered a woman on the Sunshine Coast in 1997.
Victorian woman Meaghan Louise Rose, 25, was found dead at the bottom of the Point Cartwright cliffs on July 18, 1997, and her death was initially ruled non-suspicious.
But the cold case was reopened with a $500,000 reward after new information suggested she may have been murdered by her defacto partner Keith Lees, now 70.
Police said in a press release on Friday, July 28, an arrest warrant had been obtained for Mr Lees in relation to Ms Rose’s alleged murder.
His car was found abandoned at Portland in Victoria on June 26, the day after police spoke to him at a Victorian home, they said.
A search and rescue operation began and was later scaled back, but police have now alleged Mr Lees gave a false name when speaking to police later that afternoon in Port Fairy, Victoria.
Investigations have since revealed Mr Lees was seen at a shopping centre in Waurn Ponds, Victoria, buying new clothes on June 27.
That afternoon he was seen leaving Shepparton Train Station wearing a distinctive black and white jacket.
Police said initial information suggested Mr Lees may be seeking casual work in the farming and fruit picking industries, and while investigations into his whereabouts are ongoing, it is believed he may be in Victoria or has travelled interstate.
Police are appealing for Mr Lees to come forward, and for anyone with information to immediately contact police.
For non-urgent information, contact crime stoppers.
The $500,000 reward for information leading to the apprehension of whoever killed Ms Rose is still available.
Investigations are ongoing.
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