Family of murdered mother and missing daughter make fresh plea for information as $1m reward still stands

The family of a mother and daughter believed murdered has renewed their plea for answers as police release more information 25 years on.

The family of a murdered mother and missing daughter have made fresh pleas for information on the anniversary of the horrific crime, as a $1 million reward reward for information on the case still stands.

Wednesday marked 25 years since the body of 33-year-old mother Rosemary Brown was discovered in the mangroves at Garden Island in Adelaide’s north-west.

Her daughter, Melissa Trussell (Brown), also went missing at the same time as her mother and has never been found, however, police believe she is also deceased.

Ms Brown, along with her daughter Melissa, were last seen leaving their Dover St, Blair Athol home at about 2.30am on Saturday 13 May, 2000.

Melissa’s father, Barry Trussell says it has been “too long” to go without answers, and is desperately seeking closure.

New photos of Melissa Trussell (Brown) have been released. Picture: Supplied / SAPOL

A newspaper clipping of Melissa as a baby with her mum Rosemary. Picture: Supplied / SAPOL

“I’m hoping that fresh information will come to light and help police solve the case, because you know, 25 years, it’s a long time to go without any answers,” he said.

“And the what ifs …. you know. What sort of mother would she have been? What sort of life would she have led?

“All these things have been taken away from her and the extra enjoyment we would have got out of life, having her involved in our life.

“A parent shouldn’t outlive their child… and for a long time (Melissa’s disappearance) has messed me up.”

Following decades of heartache, the family of Melissa Trussell (Brown) have joined police in a renewed call for information regarding the historic disappearance of the 15-year-old, and unsolved murder of her mother, Rosemary. Picture: Supplied / SAPOL

She last seen leaving their Blair Athol home at about 2.30am on Saturday 13 May, 2000. Picture: Supplied / SAPOL

Mr Trussell said he believed more than one person was responsible for Rosemary’s murder and Melissa’s disappearance, and has urged anyone to come forward with information.

Mr Trussell recently visited the last believed location — Stirling St, Northfield, with Melissa’s sister Kayla Trussell, as the pair reminisced about childhood memories, while expressing their desire for closure.

Describing Melissa as her “best friend”, Ms Trussell (Kayla) hoped to one day give her sister the farewell she deserves.

“We need to know where she is and what happened to her,” she said.

Today marks exactly 25 years since Rosemary’s body was discovered in the mangroves at Garden Island on 2 July 2000. Picture: SAPOL

“We want to see the person or people who have caused our pain, brought to justice.”

SA Police investigators also released additional childhood photos of Melissa as part of a renewed public plea for information.

Detective Superintendent Darren Fielke, Officer in Charge of the Major Crime Investigation Branch urged anyone with information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to come forward.

He described the cold case as “particularly disturbing” and said he believed “numerous” people know what happened to the mother and daughter.

“This is a particularly disturbing case. A mother was murdered and her body disposed of,” he said.

“We believe Melissa was also murdered.

“It’s tragic for the family of Rosemary and Melissa to experience this long passage of time with no answers about what happened to their loved ones.

“I have no doubt that numerous people either know what happened to Rosemary and Melissa or have information that will assist the investigation into their suspected murder.”

The state government has offered a $1,000,000 for any information that leads to the the conviction of the person or persons responsible for the suspected murder of Melissa Trussell (Brown) (and/or leading to the location and recovery of the victim’s remains).

For Rosemary, the state government has offered $200,000 to anyone who provides information and assistance that leads to the conviction of the person or persons responsible for the suspected of her murder.

Originally published as Family of murdered mother and missing daughter make fresh plea for information as $1m reward still stands