Gordana Kotevski’s family renews appeal for information into her disappearance from Charlestown in 1994
It’s one of the Hunter’s most baffling crimes. The family of Lake Macquarie teenager Gordana Kotevski,who went missing more than 25 years ago, are still desperately seeking answers.
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It’s one of the Hunter’s most baffling crimes. The disappearance of Lake Macquarie teenager Gordana Kotevski, missing for more than 25 years.
Her family are still desperately waiting for answers, calling on those who know the secrets that can unlock the mystery, to speak out.
“To the persons who took Gordana, and those who hide their secrets, we say how would you feel if this happened to one of your children, a niece, a nephew, a grandchild? No-one should feel this kind of pain!” a Kotevski family statement said.
“It is unacceptable that we continue to grieve an ambiguous loss.
“It is unacceptable that the persons responsible can continue to live their lives unaffected by our loss.”
The 16-year-old’s last movements saw her being forced into a vehicle on Powell St, Charlestown, while walking from Charlestown Shopping Centre to her aunt’s home at about 9pm on November 24, 1994.
Despite extensive investigations detectives are still at a lost to know what has happened to Gordana.
In a Coronial Inquest into the teens disappearance in 2003, then State Coroner, Mr John Abernethy, found that Gordana Kotevski was deceased, most likely as a result of foul play.
In April 2019, Lake Macquarie detectives established Strike Force Arapaima to re-examine the investigation into the unsolved disappearance and suspected murder of Gordana, along with two other missing Lake Macquarie teens – Robyn Hickie, 18, and Amanda Robinson, 14 who disappeared in 1979.
In a major breakthrough in November, a “specific” green mid-70s Holden Torana had become the focus of their investigation into Ms Hickie and Ms Robinson, as well as other incidents along the Pacific Hwy near Newcastle.
Police also dropped their theory notorious killer Ivan Milat was behind the disappearance of Ms Hickie and Ms Robinson, and instead started focusing on a 58-year-old businessman from the Hunter who now lives on the Gold Coast.
In June this year, he was arrested over unrelated sexual and serious assaults involving three other Hunter women.
During Australia’s annual Missing Persons Week the forgotten lives of these women and many others across the country are being highlighted.
It gives families, like Gordana’s, an invaluable opportunity to share their story of loss and hope and to generate awareness and spark community interest to help in cold cases.
Gordana’s aunt, Julie Talevski, is encouraging members of the public to take the time to read about Gordana on www.missingpersons.gov.au.
“This Missing Persons Week, we’ve decided to release one of the last known images we have of Gordana – she was a bridesmaid in 1994,” she said.
“Young, joyous, innocent, she had the world at her feet.
“The impact of Gordana’s disappearance has taken its toll on her parents and siblings, extended family and friends. Missed special events bring with them a stark reminder of the emptiness felt by her disappearance. The passage of time has not made acceptance of the situation any easier.
“Please, if you know anything or can vaguely remember any information which could help detectives, call the police.”
Lake Macquarie Police District Commander, Superintendent Danny Sullivan APM, said twenty-five years on, it’s crucial for any potential witnesses to come forward.
“This Missing Persons Week, we want you to think about the person behind the photo. She was just a teenager, she had her life ahead of her,” he said.
“There are people in the community who have vital information which could help Strike Force Arapaima detectives solve this case.
“Anyone who lived in or would visit the Lake Macquarie area in late 1994, please cast your mind back and recall if you noticed a light-coloured utility in and around the area.
“It’s been a quarter of a century of unknowns and heartache for Gordana’s friends and family. Please, help us give them closure.
Anyone with information about Gordana Kotevski’s disappearance is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.