Kinglake resident Rodney McKenzie most likely murdered after disappearing from home in 2023, police say
Missing Kinglake resident Rodney McKenzie was last seen by a friend in March 2023. His wallet and phone was found at his unlocked home. Police now say they believe the 71-year-old was murdered.
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An elderly man who vanished from his Kinglake home more than two years ago was likely murdered, police say.
Rodney McKenzie, 71, was last seen alive by a relative who dropped him off at the local shops on March 5 2023.
Detectives believe Mr McKenzie made it home from the shops, but his family never heard from him again and his bank account and phone have remained untouched since.
His daughter Jackie later found his home on Bald Spur Rd unlocked with his wallet, phone and car still there before she reported her father missing.
Mr McKenzie, who had a long history of drug use and was known to police, lived a “secluded” life and rarely left his home, which sat on a 20-acre block.
CCTV footage at a Kinglake grocery store captured what were likely Mr Mckenzie’s final moments as he picked up a black shopping basket and walked around the shop.
He could be seen wearing dark pants with a black or navy long sleeve and runners.
Police searched his property in 2023 using a helicopter and its motorcycle branch – which patrols highways, forests and parks – along with fire and emergency crews, but they found no trace of the man.
Fresh leads uncovered in the past year have led investigators to now treat Mr McKenzie’s disappearance as suspicious.
Speaking through tears on Tuesday, Mr McKenzie’s daughter Jackie remembered her father as a homebody who enjoyed gardening and spending time with his family, including his six great-grandchildren.
“He was always around,” Jackie said.
“He didn’t do much at all to be honest … he was always at home or at my place.
“He was always quiet, kept to himself.”
Jackie called for those who knew what happened to her father to come forward to bring his family some closure.
“It has just affected every part of our lives really now because we just don’t know anything.
“It’s always in the back of your mind, if we move, what if he comes and we’re not there?” she said.
“There’s no closure … your mind is just left to wonder all the time.”
Detective Acting Inspector Steve Trewavas from the Missing Persons Squad said Mr McKenzie’s drug history had prompted investigators to shift away from the idea that he fell or suffered a medical episode while navigating the “rugged” terrain on his property.
“Rodney’s disappearance is of concern to investigators, as well as his friends and family,” Detective Acting Inspector Trewavas said.
“Sadly, at this time we do believe Rodney has likely met with foul play.
“Any information provided to detectives will be followed up thoroughly in the hope we can provide some answers for Rodney’s family.”
Anyone with information about Mr McKenzie’s disappearance should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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Originally published as Kinglake resident Rodney McKenzie most likely murdered after disappearing from home in 2023, police say
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