Police gather evidence from coastal property in search for missing Bundagen NSW woman Rose Howell

Forensic police have been examining a property in northern NSW as they work to track down Coffs Coast woman Rose Howell, who disappeared in suspicious circumstances two decades ago.

Police at work at the Repton property. Picture: Supplied

Police including forensic officers have searched and examined a property at Repton, south of Coffs Harbour, as they for long-term missing woman Rose Rain Howell.

Searches have examined two outside areas of the property using ground penetrating radar.

One of two ground areas forensically examined with the dog squad at a Repton property as the search continues for missing Bellingen woman Rose Howell.

Officers have also honed in on a Ford Falcon believed to be connected to the disappearance.

A search warrant was carried out by Strike Force Chelonia detectives after it was established in 2023 to reinvestigate the case.

It involves the NSW Police Force Dog and Mounted Unit, specialist forensics officers and the Australian Federal Police’s specialist Forensic Search and Imagery (FSI) team.

Officers attended the Repton property for the forensic search on June 4, 2024, it was revealed Tuesday morning.

The NSW Police Force have stated “the owners of the property shown in the search vision are not considered to have any involvement with, or connection to, this matter and are being fully cooperative with police”.

As part of ongoing investigations under Strike Force Chelonia, detectives executed a crime scene warrant on a Ford Falcon believed to be connected to MS Howell’s disappearance.

Homicide Squad Commander Detective Superintendent Danny Doherty said: “There are still people out there who know something about what happened.”

“Our detectives haven’t – and won’t – give up on finding answers for Rose’s loved ones,” he said.

“Her family deserve answers having dealt with the uncertainty of what happened over two decades ago.”

Ms Howell, then 18-years-old, was last seen around 6.15pm on Friday 11 April 2003, walking east along Perry’s Road in Repton towards her home in Bundagen, approximately 25km south of Coffs Harbour, police state.

Ms Howell had plans to meet friends at Bellingen, but was reported as missing on Sunday April 13, 2003 when she failed to return home to attend an 11am appointment with her mother.

MISSING Rose Howell.jpg

At the time of her disappearance, Rose was described as of caucasian appearance, with an olive complexion, about 160-165cm tall, with hazel eyes and short, dark hair in a mohawk.

“The public are reminded that there is no piece of information too small for investigators your tip could be the missing piece of the puzzle in this investigation,” Det Supt Doherty said.

A state government and NSW Police reward of $750,000 still remains active.

Know more? Phone Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.