$1m reward offered over 1997 teen murder of Lee Ellen Stace

A $1 million reward is being offered for information about the murder of a teenage girl on the NSW north coast more than 20 years ago.

Lee Ellen Stace, 16, disappeared after a shift of work in 1997.

Lee Ellen Stace’s dismembered remains were found in a shallow grave at a camping ground in the Yuraygir National Park near her Brooms Head home on October 17, 1997.

The 16-year-old was last seen alive six weeks earlier when she finished her shift at a supermarket in nearby Yamba.

Lee was last seen at Yamba Shopping Centre, before her body was found in a shallow grave at a beach.

Despite extensive investigations, no-one has ever been charged over her murder.
Her parents will join police on Tuesday in announcing a $1 million reward for information that leads to the conviction of those responsible.

In 2009, the NSW coroner criticised police for the “inordinate time” taken to complete its investigation into the girl’s death.

MORE NEWS:

Alleged Darwin gunman’s victim revealed

Federal police raid ABC offices in Sydney

Airline passengers busted with $18.3m of cocaine, meth hidden in toys

While noting that police resources were limited and acknowledged competing priorities, then-deputy state coroner Carl Milovanovich said “it should never take 12 years to put a coronial brief together, unless there is evidence of ongoing and meaningful investigations”.

Lee Ellen Stace.

Parents Peter and Robyn Stace.

Yuraygir National Park, where Lee’s body was found. Picture: NSW Police

“It is apparent that the investigation into the death of Lee Stace sat dormant for long periods,” he said when handing down his inquest findings in 2009.

— AAP