Crucial new evidence leads detectives interstate in hunt for Elisabeth Membrey's killer

EXCLUSIVE: CRUCIAL new evidence has led detectives inter- state in the hunt to bring Elisabeth Membrey's killer to justice.

EXCLUSIVE: CRUCIAL new evidence has led detectives interstate in the marathon hunt to bring Elisabeth Membrey's killer to justice.

Almost 15 years to the day she disappeared, police believe they have made a breakthrough that could solve one of Victoria's most frustrating murder mysteries.

Homicide investigators have travelled to Karratha in Western Australia to interview several people who may hold new evidence in the case.

The Herald Sun believes a suspect in the case has divulged vital information to people about the night Ms Membrey went missing.

A caller who contacted police has given investigators hope of finally laying charges over the murder, despite never finding Ms Membrey's body.

Ms Membrey's father, Roger Membrey, last night said he and his wife Joy were hopeful there would soon be an end to their long wait to find out what happened to their daughter.

"After 15 years we are emotionally weary. We think this has the promise of being a good lead," he said.

"Joy and I are waiting with expectation that there might be a possible ending to the case.

"It's very tough not being able to locate her body and Joy and I feel we haven't had any closure. It's an emotional burden.

"We loved her so much and we feel we haven't done the right thing by her yet. We haven't been able to give her a funeral or the dignity of a burial and it weighs on us quite a lot."

 Her killer is believed to be a man she knew who knocked on her door that night. Blood was found in the hallway of the unit and her body was taken in her own car to a remote location, believed to be somewhere in the Kinglake or Silvan areas.

A $1 million reward was offered in 2006 for information that led to a conviction.

Homicide squad Inspector Bernie Edwards said it would remain a live case until Ms Membrey's killers were caught.

"Whilst the police efforts in Western Australia are a major avenue of inquiry, we will continue to investigate the disappearance of Elisabeth Membrey until we bring those responsible to justice," he said.

"The family have been waiting for answers for more than a decade, and detectives have continued to work solidly throughout this time.

"We will remain dedicated to this case until we get the result that the Membrey family and Victoria Police want."

The investigation has led police to make inquiries across Australia and even internationally.

Police flew to Western Australia last year to interview a man about the murder mystery.

It is believed that person of interest is suspected of being a man witnesses saw arguing with Ms Membrey outside her unit hours before her death. A man of similar description, also seen with Ms Membrey at the Ringwood Aquatic Centre the day before she vanished, is a key to the probe.

A suspect police have been investigating for almost two years was a person of interest at the beginning of their investigation.

He has been known to move around Australia, particularly in mining towns, and has spoken of Ms Membrey's disappearance.