Police launch fresh appeal for info on James Rice and Gerald Whitefoot decades after disappearances

Police have launched a new appeal for information into separate disappearances of two men in NSW, with one of the cases being treated as suspicious.

Police are looking for new information about two separate historical missing person cases from 23 and 44 years ago respectively, with one of them being treated as suspicious.

James Rice was last seen in the state’s Central West on July 13, 1999, while Gerald Whitefoot went missing from Sydney’s west on December 9, 1977.

Police are looking for new information in the separate cases of James Rice (left) and Gerald Whitefoot (right) went missing 23 and 44 years ago respectively. Picture: NSW Police

Mr Rice went missing after being dropped at the front gate of his property in Condobolin by a neighbour.

In 2006 a coronial inquest found he had died but the circumstances of his death could not be determined.

Police established Strike Force Jungarra in September last year to investigate his death, after officers received new information about his case.

Mr Rice’s disappearance is now being treated as suspicious.

Mr Rice, 66 at the time, was described as being of caucasian appearance, approximately 175cm tall, with an olive complexion, brown hair and brown eyes when he disappeared.

Central North Police District Commander Superintendent Tim Chinn appealed to the community for any information about his disappearance.

“Investigators attached to Central North Police District have worked tirelessly to investigate the circumstances surrounding Mr Rice’s death and will leave no stone unturned in doing so,” he said.

“Mr Rice’s family deserve to know what happened to him, to gain some closure.”

James Rice's disappearance is being treated as suspicious. Picture: NSW Police

Mr Whitefoot was last seen by his daughter while leaving his Sydney home on Cabramatta Ave in Miller back in 1997.

He was walking to work sometime between 8.00am and 8.30am, but never returned home.

Mr Whitefoot, who was 44 at the time, was described as being of caucasian appearance, with dark-coloured hair, brown eyes and of medium build when he disappeared.

He would now be 88 years old, with his disappearance described as “out of character” at the time.

He also went by several different names, including “Gerald Brady”, “Gerald Toms”, and “Gerry”.

Liverpool City Police are still investigating Mr Whitefoot’s disappearance and are looking for any new information.

“Extensive inquiries have been made by police and we continue to seek any information which the community may have – no matter how insignificant it may seem – as it may hold the key to finding out what happened to Mr Whitefoot,” Crime Manager Detective Inspector Mr Liddiard said.

Gerald Whitefoot has not been seen for almost 45 years. Picture: NSW Police

“Missing persons cases have a long-term and traumatic toll on families, many of whom never get over their loved ones vanishing.

“We want to provide some answers for Mr Whitefoot’s family.”

Anyone with information about either case is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Originally published as Police launch fresh appeal for info on James Rice and Gerald Whitefoot decades after disappearances