‘Decades of pain’: Police announce renewed search for Melissa Trussell, 25 years after disappearance

The 15-year-old was last seen with her mother more than 25 years ago, with her mother’s remains found in the mangroves a short time after they disappeared.

A renewed search has been launched for the remains of Melissa Trussell, who was last seen with her mother in South Australia more than 25 years ago.

Rosemary Brown, 33, and her 15-year-old daughter Melissa Trussell, who is also known as Melissa Brown, were last seen leaving their house in Blair Athol in northern Adelaide on May 13, 2000.

Melissa Trussell went missing more than 25 years ago. Picture: SA Police

Police believe the teenager was murdered, but are yet to find her remains. Picture: Supplied / SAPOL

Rosemary’s handbag was found later that day in Stirling St in Northfield, but it wasn’t handed into police until 10 days later when an appeal to find the missing pair was made public.

Her body was found in the mangroves of Garden Island in the city’s northwest on July 2, 2000.

However her daughter Melissa was never found, with police suspecting she had been killed.

More than 25 years later, South Australia Police have begun a renewed search for the missing teenager, with police combing a previously unsearched area of Garden Island.

“This search demonstrates that we will not give up looking for answers,” Detective Superintendent Darren Fielke said.

“We will continue to investigate this matter and will not stop until we can provide closure and hopefully justice for the loved ones of both Rosemary Brown and Melissa Trussell.”

No one has ever been charged in relation to their disappearances or deaths.

In May, Acting Detective Superintendent Andrew Macrae said despite the passage of time, police remained dedicated to uncovering the truth and holding those responsible accountable.

“We encourage anyone with information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to come forward,” he said.

“Your assistance could be crucial in helping us piece together the events surrounding this tragic incident.”

A renewed search has been called, with police identifying an area of Garden Island that was previously unsearched. Picture: SA Police

Speaking to the ABC, Melissa’s father Barry Trussell said he had many unanswered questions about his daughter’s disappearance.

“The what ifs, you know - what sort of mother would she have been? What sort of life would she have led?” he said.

“All these things are taken away from her and extra enjoyment we could’ve got out of life, having her involved in our life.”

The missing girl’s sister, Kayla, said her family had experienced “decades of pain” and urged anyone with information to come forward.

“It’s all that we can really ask for,” she said.

The SA government and SA Police are offering a reward of up to $1m to anyone who provides information that leads to the conviction of the person or persons responsible for the suspected murder of the teenager.

Additionally, rewards of up to $250,000 are available for anyone who provides information that leads to the conviction of the person or persons responsible for the suspected murder of Rosemary Brown.

Originally published as ‘Decades of pain’: Police announce renewed search for Melissa Trussell, 25 years after disappearance