$500k reward for information on Christine Fenner’s disappearance

A half-million dollar reward is on the table as cold case investigators push for new information on the suspicious disappearance of a regional Queensland mum 24 years ago.

A $500,000 reward is on offer for any new information in the 1999 disappearance of Christine Maria Fenner from Booyal.

A $500,000 reward is on offer for new information into the suspicious disappearance of Booyal mother Christine Maria Fenner, more than two decades after she vanished.

Detectives said in a press release they were confident the reward would bring new information to light about the 1999 cold case.

Ms Fenner, 48 at the time and a mother of two, went missing from her home at 532 Kirk Marule Rd, Booyal on Friday February 12, 1999.

She has not been seen or heard from since.

Christine Fenner was 48-years-old when she disappeared in 1999.

Police said Ms Fenner was living in a caravan on a rural property between Childers and Gin Gin with her de facto husband at the time of her disappearance.

She was last seen about midday on that date by a friend, police said.

Her friend noted her to be in extremely poor health and encouraged her to seek medical attention at the time, police said.

When her partner returned at around 5.30pm she was missing.

Personal items, including usual footwear, glasses and cigarettes, which she always had with her, remained in the caravan.

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Police co-ordinated an extensive foot search of the area surrounding Christine’s home during the original investigation.

A number of places have been searched with the assistance of the State Emergency Services and rural fire brigades since she vanished.

Christine Fenner was living at a caravan at Booyal when she disappeared. She was last seen by a friend about midday on February 12, 1999.

These include bushland, dams, residences and sewerage systems in the Wide Bay area.

Investigators from the Homicide Cold Case Investigation Team commenced a review in 2022.

The reward is being offered for information which leads to the apprehension and conviction of the person/persons responsible for the suspected murder of Ms Fenner.

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In addition, an appropriate indemnity from prosecution will be recommended for any accomplice, not being the person who actually committed the crime, who first gives such information.

Anyone with information, no matter how small or irrelevant they think it might be, is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via the Crime Stopper website.

Police Minister Mark Ryan stressed there was an offer of indemnity on the table for anyone involved in the crime “but did not commit it”, should they come forward. Picture: Dan Peled

Police Minister Mark Ryan, who approved the $500,000 reward following an extensive review of the investigation by the Homicide Cold Case Investigation Team and Bundaberg Police, stressed the importance of the indemnity on offer.

“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,” he said.

“No one should need a reason to come forward and assist police in this matter – but today, we are giving you 500,000 reasons.”

Detective Senior Sergeant Tara Kentwell of the Homicide Cold Case Investigation Team said despite extensive investigations at the time and since, Ms Fenner has never been located.

“Christine’s bank account has never accessed and her personal items were left behind, we believe the circumstances of her disappearance is suspicious,” Sergeant Kentwell said.

“There are people out there with information.

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

Originally published as $500k reward for information on Christine Fenner’s disappearance