Family’s new appeal for information into missing man Luis Fernandez
It has been three months since Raquel Fernandez has heard from her uncle, but she is not giving up hope the next person to knock at her door will be him.
It has been three months since Raquel Fernandez has heard from her uncle, but she is not giving up hope the next person to knock at her door will be him.
Police are no closer to finding 79-year-old Eastlakes resident Luis Fernandez, who was last seen by his loved ones on Christmas Day.
That night, his son dropped him home at his Florence Ave flat, but when he returned to visit him on Boxing Day he was nowhere to be seen.
An extensive police search has spanned southeastern Sydney to the city’s west.
Despite numerous appeals for the public’s help and several sightings, Botany Bay detectives are no closer to solving the case.
Mr Fernandez, who suffers from a heart condition requiring daily medication, is described as a “gentle and caring” man who would “always keep in touch”.
Ms Fernandez just wants her uncle to come home.
“It’s the not knowing that’s the really hard thing,” she said.
“He usually calls every couple of weeks to check in on the kids and catch up. We all love him and miss him very much.
“We just want him home safe and well.”
Detectives leading the investigation have traced Mr Fernandez’s movements to Eastlakes Shopping Centre on Boxing Day.
He then travelled to Ingleburn in the city’s west where he withdrew money from an ATM.
The last pieces of information are sightings from a passer-by and taxi driver in Glenfield, near Luis’s brothers home, on December 28.
Possible sightings have also placed him in Macquarie Fields, Penrith and Windsor.
Each report has brought a glimmer of hope for family.
“For weeks we didn’t hear anything — you get to that point you can’t think of anything else to say to police,” Ms Fernandez said.
“You try and piece it all together — you realise how vulnerable you are.”
Luis is described as being caucasian or South American in appearance, with a slim build, short grey hair, beard and scar on his right cheek.
He has lived at his flat in Eastlakes for 10 years.
The family hopes a new appeal launched by police this month will bring him home.
“Every time you get a phone call you hope it’s him. I’m refusing to give up hope,” Ms Fernandez said.
“I just want him to know we all love you and we miss you so much.”
If you have information, call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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