Murder suspect Keith Lees ‘stages’ own death to avoid questioning over ex-girlfriend’s death

A man suspected of killing his girlfriend in 1997 is believed to have faked his own death before going on the run in Victoria to avoid being questioned over the cold case.

Fiona Ratcliffe, the younger sister of Meaghan Louise Rose who was found dead on the Sunshine Coast in 1997. Picture: NCA NewsWire

A fugitive murder suspect is believed to have tried to stage his own death before going on the run in Victoria.

The car of Keith Lees, 70, was found beside cliffs at Portland, in the state’s southwest, on June 26.

A day earlier, detectives had arrived at the home of Mr Lees to talk to him about the cold case murder of a young woman in Queensland.

Police are investigating whether he had parked at the cliffside area at Cape Nelson to convey the impression he had taken his own life.

Both Victoria and Queensland Police have issued an arrest warrant for Keith Lees, 70, in relation to the murder of a woman on the Sunshine Coast in 1997. Picture: Queensland Police

Police believe Keith Lees may have staged his own death to avoid speaking with detectives about the death of his former girlfriend Meaghan Rose. Picture: supplied

How he got out of the area is unclear but the next day Lees was seen in Port Fairy where he spoke to a police officer and gave him a false name.

There was another confirmed sighting on June 27 in the Geelong suburb of Waurn Ponds where Mr Lees was seen trying to buy clothes.

He was later that day sighted leaving Shepparton railway station.

The car of Keith Lees was found beside cliffs at Portland, in the state’s southwest, on June 26. Picture: supplied

Homicide detectives want to speak with Keith Lees over the 1997 murder of Meaghan Louise Rose. Picture: supplied

Police believe Mr Lees may be trying to find work as a casual farmer or fruit-picker.

Queensland homicide detectives want him over the 1997 murder of Meaghan Louise Rose.

The 25-year-old’s body was found at the base of a cliff at Point Cartwright on the Sunshine Coast.

Ms Rose’s car was found at the top of the cliffs with some of her personal belongings.

The case has come under fresh scrutiny in recent times, leading the Queensland investigators to fly south in June.

The body of Meaghan Louise Rose, 25, was found at the base of a cliff at Point Cartwright on the Sunshine Coast. Picture: Queensland Police

The death was originally assessed as not suspicious but it was later discovered an insurance policy had been taken out in Ms Rose’s name in the lead-up to the tragedy.

Anyone who sights Lees is urged not to approach him and to contact triple-0 (000) immediately.

“Fugitive Squad detectives are actively seeking Lees; whereabouts and it’s believed he is taking steps to avoid apprehension,” detective Insp. Anthony Vella of the Victoria Police fugitive squad.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts can call Crime Stoppers on 1300 333 000 or visit crimestoppervic.com.au.