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.

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 an associate who dropped him off at the area’s 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.

Detectives now believe Mr McKenzie was murdered. Picture: Victoria Police

Mr McKenzie’s bank accounts have not been touched since he disappeared. Picture: The Australian Missing Persons Register

Mr McKenzie, who had a long history with drugs and was known to police, reportedly lived a “secluded” life and rarely left his home, which sat on a 20-acre block.

CCTV footage at a Kinglake store captured what were possibly 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.

Mr McKenzie inside a Kinglake store shortly before he disappeared. Picture: Victoria Police

He was wearing dark clothing and collected a black shopping basket. Picture: Victoria Police

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.

Mr McKenzie’s Kinglake property. Picture: Victoria Police

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.