Rose Howell: Mother hopeful ‘situation may have changed’ as reward offered in missing teen mystery

The mother of a missing teenager last seen on the NSW north coast more than two decades has pleaded for answers, telling media her father “passed away without ever knowing what happened to her”.

The mother of Rose Howell, who has longed for the return of her teenage daughter for more than 20 years, has pleaded “someone must know something” as police put forward a $750,000 reward for information.

Rose, then aged 18, was last seen at about 6.15pm on Friday April 11, 2003, walking east along Perrys Rd, Repton, in the direction of her home in Bundagen – about 25km south of Coffs Harbour.

Police have been told Rose was excited for her upcoming birthday party.

“Rose was a strong and independent woman in the prime of her life who wouldn’t have simply run away; that’s why I believe someone must know something about what happened,” Malila Howell, Rose’s mother, said.

“A lot can change in twenty years, and I’m hoping in the two decades that have passed, someone’s situation may have changed in a way that enables them to talk to police.

“Rosie’s Dad passed away without ever knowing what happened to her, and all I hope for her three grieving brothers and I, is that we find some answers in our lifetime.”

Malila Howell described her daughter as a “strong and independent women”. Picture: Nathan Edwards

On Sunday, April 13, 2003, Rose was reported missing to police after she failed to return home and meet her mother for an 11am appointment.

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

In December 2012, a coronial inquest found that it was likely Rose had died, but the date, place and cause of death was undetermined.

“Police haven’t given up on finding answers for Rose’s loved ones, and through today’s announcement, the NSW Government is pledging their ongoing support for this investigation,” Police and Counter Terrorism Minister Yasmin Catley said.

Rose Howell was last seen on Friday April 11, 2003, 25km south of Coffs Harbour.

“We hope that a $750,000 reward will encourage people to cast their minds back to 2003 – to anything suspicious or untoward they might have heard or seen at the time – and bring that information to police.”

Detective Superintendent Danny Doherty, Homicide Squad Commander, said there’s no piece of information too small for police to consider as part of this painstaking investigation.

“Detectives have been investigating this case for over twenty years, yet we still believe there’s people out there who know something that could help us,” Det Supt Doherty said.

“If you know anything – even if you believe it’s minor or insignificant – our investigators would love to hear from you.

“Rose was an 18-year-old girl with her whole life ahead of her, and the least we can do for her family is continue to approach this investigation with unwavering resolve and determination.”