Cops’ hefty reward for clues surrounding mum’s mysterious disappearance

Police are offering a hefty reward for information concerning the disappearance of a mother of two more than two decades ago in bizarre circumstances.

The Queensland government has offered a hefty reward for information related to the mysterious disappearance of a woman who vanished from her home more than two decades ago.

Christine Maria Fenner, 48, was living in a caravan on a rural property in Booyal – between Childers and Gin Gin in central Queensland – when she disappeared from her home in February 1999.

Bizarrely, Ms Fenner left behind her usual items which she always carried with her, including her footwear, glasses and cigarettes.

She has not been seen or heard from since and her body has never been found.

Police have offered a $500,000 reward for information concerning the disappearance of Christine Maria Fenner from Booyal in 1999. Picture: Supplied / Qld Police

Ms Fenner’s disappearance has puzzled detectives for decades, but a $500,000 reward is now being offered for new information about her suspicious disappearance.

The reward was prompted by a review of the case by investigators from the Homicide Cold Case Investigation Team last year.

Police had co-ordinated an extensive foot search of the area surrounding Ms Fenner’s home when she was reported missing.

They also searched dams, homes and sewerage systems across the Wide Bay region.

Ms Fenner left behind a number of personal items, including her cigarettes which she always carried, when she vanished from her caravan home. Picture: Supplied / QLD Police

Detective Senior Sergeant Tara Kentwell of the Homicide Cold Case Investigation Team said Ms Fenner’s bank account has not been accessed since she disappeared.

“There are people out there with information,” she said.

“Christine’s family and friends deserve answers, so if you know something, please come forward.”

In 2008 a coroner ruled Ms Fenner was deceased, suggesting she may have wandered off, collapsed and died and her body never recovered, or she may have been murdered.

There was no evidence implicating any person in her disappearance.

Police Minister Mark Ryan said the $500,000 reward would be offered for information which leads to the conviction of the person or persons responsible for Ms Fenner’s death.

The reward is in addition to “appropriate” indemnity from any prosecution which will be recommended for any accomplice.

“I particularly stress the importance of the matter of indemnity offered along with this reward,” Mr Ryan said on Thursday.

“Any person who was involved in the crime but did not commit the crime who comes forward and speaks with police is eligible for this indemnity from prosecution.

“No one should need a reason to come forward and assist police in this matter.”