Homicide detectives launch search for missing Maclean man Daniel Copeland at the Wooli Wooli River, Wooli in Clarence Valley
A resident of a North Coast neighbourhood woke with “goosebumps” when she realised police were out in force combing a river for a man who vanished last September. See the pictures.
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A resident of a North Coast neighbourhood woke with “goosebumps” when she realised police were out in force combing a river for a Maclean man who suspiciously vanished last September.
Wooli woman Lisa Francis spoke of the heavy police presence around the Clarence Valley search area for Daniel Copeland on Wednesday.
Mr Copeland, 40, was last sighted at Maclean on September 3 and Wooli on September 4 last year.
NSW Police revealed Strike Force Illfracombe detectives have launched a two-day search at Wooli, a coastal town about 12km southeast of Grafton, for signs of Mr Copeland’s fate.
Ms Francis said she first heard about the disappearance soon after she moved into her home on the Wooli Wooli River last October.
She said police searched the area a few times, but the ongoing search was the largest.
“(When I first moved in) the police were all here looking and we heard rumours that there was someone floating down the river,” Ms Francis said.
“I thought it was a bit of a joke at first, but now I know it’s serious.
“I woke up this morning with goosebumps.”
Commander Detective Superintendent Daniel Doherty, of the State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad, said on the banks of the river that scouring the waterway was part of a larger search.
An island off the river is one of the locations being examined, he said.
“The focus point of our investigation has led us here,” Supt Doherty said.
The senior officer said the search would hopefully “shine a light on the truth” and ultimately “find out what actually happened”.
“And hopefully … provide some answers to Mr Copeland’s family, who are still not knowing what happened and don’t know the circumstances,” he continued.
Supt Doherty confirmed the belief Mr Copeland likely met with foul play and did not travel from Maclean, about 45km northeast of Grafton, in a silver Mitsubishi Lancer by himself.
The car is a focus and officers are chasing more information about movements and occupants.
The Squad took over the investigation in early January, with the help of local officers, he said.
Police deemed the disappearance suspect after Mr Copeland did not show up for work and missed a meeting. He has not accessed bank accounts.
He was described as a “knockabout bloke” who worked as a labourer and previously lived in Toowoomba, Queensland.
Mr Doherty said police up north were assisting and Toowoomba remained another focus.
Detectives have released recent images and CCTV footage of Mr Copeland
– He was spotted on River St, Maclean, some 15km west of Yamba, about 4:30pm on September 3 last year.
– Mr Copeland was also seen on CCTV at a bottle shop on Centenary Dr, Maclean at 2:35pm.
– The next day, he was spotted travelling in the Wooli area in the 2012 Mitsubishi.
Supt Doherty said “ultimately, this is an exercise in trying to find answers for the family, friends and loved ones”.
“Homicide detectives will be combing the Wooli Wooli River area … searching for any clues that may lead us to Daniel,” he said.
Supt Doherty urged anyone who “may have seen anything suspicious around the time of Daniel’s disappearance” to come forward.
He also appealed for anyone in Toowoomba “to also come forward with information that could assist”.
In October last year, family appealed for help at a Coffs Harbour police press conference.
“He just disappeared. He didn’t give notice to his work nor his girlfriend or any of his friends or family and this is totally out of character,” father Mark Copeland said.
“This disappearance has just baffled everyone.
“We just need to locate him whether the news is good or bad – we just need to find him.”
Mr Copeland is described as caucasian in appearance, about 165cm tall, with a stocky build, blonde mohawk haircut and full right-arm sleeve tattoo.
He was last seen wearing Cowboys NRL shorts, a green long-sleeve shirt and a black hoodie.
Know more? Contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Got a story tip? Email odessa.blain@news.com.au
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