‘New intel’ blows Shire cold case wide open

A new witness has come forward over the disappearance of two teenage girls in Sydney’s south, breaking the case open again after more than four decades.

A Sydney cold case over four decades old has been blown wide open after a new witness decided to come forward, with their loved ones pleading with police to announce a reward for new information.

Teenagers Kerry Joel, 17, and Elaine Johnson, 16, went missing from Woronora Caravan Park in Sydney’s south in 1980 and have never been found.

The families of both girls have campaigned for information for the past 40 years – with a witness recently getting in touch with Ms Johnson’s sister Helen Cooper after seeing one of her missing person posters.

Kerry Joel went missing in 1980 from the Sutherland Shire. Picture: Supplied

The girls went missing from Woronora Caravan Park. Picture: Supplied

Ms Cooper said the witness had brought in a “new location” that the girls frequented before their disappearance.

“They said they had been thinking about coming forward for a while and finally had decided to do so,” Ms Cooper said.

“It’s credible information and new intel. It fits in with the area, and it also fits in with what we thought might have happened.”

Despite the new information, Ms Cooper said she had not heard from police as to what they intent to do with the new intel.

Helen has been pushing for police action on the case. Picture: Supplied

The loved ones of the girls have been petitioning for a police reward. Picture: Supplied

In a statement, NSW Police said the case was “open”.

“The disappearance of Kerry Joel and Elaine Johnson is still an open case with the Unsolved Homicide Team who assess and monitor information as it comes to hand,” a spokesman said.

“Anyone with information in relation to their disappearance is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.”

Each year the families of the girls have campaigned for information at the annual Cronulla markets. Picture: Supplied

Ms Cooper said she hoped police would reconsider putting a monetary reward out for information relating to the case – something they have never managed to secure.

“We’ve been told by at least one person that they have information, but they are waiting for a reward to be announced,” she said.

“But they’ve been sitting on their hands waiting.”

A progressed image of Elaine Johnson. Picture: Supplied

The girls grew up in the Sutherland Shire. Picture: Supplied

Ms Cooper said she wrote to the commission and to the police minister about the possibility of a reward – but was told it was not a “viable option at this time”.

She said this could be the last chance for the reward to bring new information.

“The girls would now be 60. A lot of people connected to the case are older, if they don’t put a reward now, people will pass on. It’s pretty important.”

The teenagers were both staying at the caravan park after running away from their homes.

Elaine was described as a hippie child who loved to ride her bike in the area. Picture: Supplied

Elaine grew up in Cronulla and Kurnell after her family relocated to Australia from the UK.

The family has described her as a “hippie child” who loved to ride bikes and wear flower pants.

Originally published as ‘New intel’ blows Shire cold case wide open