Gordana Kotevski: $1m reward for information into 1994 suspected murder of teen in Charlestown, Lake Macquarie

Investigators have described a new car suspected of being used in the abduction and murder of Gordana Kotevski as they prepare to meet forensic experts keen to take a closer look at the case’s evidence.

Detectives hunting the suspected killers of Gordana Kotevski will soon meet with forensic experts in the hope of gleaning new evidence from items the Lake Macquarie teenager dropped as she was bundled into a car nearly 28 years ago.

As police announced a $1m reward for information leading to Gordana’s abductors on Wednesday, it can be revealed that Strike Force Arapaima investigators are confident new DNA technology may lift previously unknown evidence from the shopping bags found on Powell Street on November 24, 1994.

It was also revealed that detectives have widened their scope on the suspect car used to ferry Gordana away from near her aunt’s house on that horrific Thursday evening.

Gordana Kotevski, who was abducted from Powell St, Charlestown on November 24, 1994. Picture: Supplied.

Previous investigations had identified a dual-cab Toyota HiLux, however Strike Force Arapaima detectives now believe they are searching for a light-coloured, single-cab Toyota HiLux with a silver worktray.

“We‘re wanting to broaden the description of the vehicle involved in Gordana’s disappearance,” Lake Macquarie police district commander Supt Steve Kentwell told reporters at Belmont police station.

“It‘s as a result of the investigation by our detectives. And through further eyewitness accounts and as part of that investigation, we’re appealing with that broad description.”

The reward was announced on International Missing Children’s Day, with Gordana’s mother, Peggy, welcoming the long-awaited increase from $100,000 to $1m.

Peggy Kotevski (left), mother of Gordana, Lake Macquarie police district commander Superintendent Steve Kentwell and Strike Force Arapaima lead investigator Det Sgt Kristi Faber at the announcement of a $1m reward. Picture: Dan Proudman.

“Well I am happy in a way, but [in] my opinion, [we] would [say] thank you to the task force at the moment but it is too little too late,” Mrs Kotevski said.

When asked what she would say to anyone who had information about her daughter’s disappearance and suspected murder, Mrs Kotevski said: “All I can say is, if possible, put yourself in my shoes and walk in them for a bit.

“Two seconds, that‘s all it would take to know what I’ve been through and have some compassion.

“And for the perpetrators, know that I‘ll never give up until we get to the bottom of it. My face will be in your face 24/7, till my last breath.”

Gordana Kotevski is suspected being murdered after she was snatched from Powell St on November 24, 1994. Picture: Supplied.

The abduction and suspected murder of the 16-year-old has remained in the Hunter’s pysche for nearly 28 years.

The popular schoolgirl was walking to her aunt’s home when she was snatched from Powell St, bundled into the car and vanished.

Investigators from Strike Force Arapaima, which was set up in 2019 and is also looking into the unrelated disappearances of Robyn Hickie and Amanda Robinson, have painstakingly returned to the case with fresh eyes and fresh technology.

Supt Kentwell hinted that the investigation had also uncovered new evidence, stating it was “fair to say there‘s fresh lines of inquiry”.

“The reward is just one investigative tool available to the investigators,” Supt Kentwell said.

“And obviously, we‘d be looking at not jeopardising the investigation by saying too much about those strategies.

“Obviously our detectives continue to work tirelessly to try and bring this investigation to a resolution.”

Part of that investigation will see Strike Force Arapaima detectives meeting with forensic experts in the coming weeks in a bid that state-of-the-art technology could uncover fresh evidence from what was taken from the scene.

Gordana Kotevski's mother, Peggy, and aunt Julie Talevski, at the announcement of a $1m reward. Picture: Dan Proudman

Gordana’s aunt, Julie Talevski, said the reward “a long time coming” but was great news.

“But a reward is only part of the solution,” she said,

“Someone has to come forward with the right information that leads to an arrest so we can just hope that it will lead to something along that line.

“But most importantly, we want to bring her home. We want to bring Gordana home and hopefully this will lead towards that.

Ms Talevski later added: “The community‘s been very supportive. Always has been.

Gordana Kotevski.

“I guess with the introduction of social media things have changed. When Gordana went missing in ‘94 there was no social media.

“And now we as a family continue to keep our story alive and just getting feedback from the community.

“[There have been] wonderful comments. You know, they want the same outcome as well, particularly those people that were around when it happened.”

Information should be given to Strike Force Arapaima detectives at Belmont police station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.