DETECTIVES CLOSE IN ON COLD CASE BREAKTHROUGH: Desperate Search for Missing Mount Gambier Woman Margaret Bernie Enters 37th Year
- Police launch urgent search at property near Mount Gambier, 37 years after Margaret Bernie vanished
- Detectives believe community members may hold key to solving the case, as they urge anyone with information to come forward
- Margaret’s family has spent decades searching for answers, with detectives vowing to bring those responsible to justice
In a dramatic turn of events, South Australian Police have launched a desperate search for missing woman Margaret Bernie, 37 years after she vanished from her Mount Gambier home. The search, which is expected to last two days, is focused on a property in Compton, several kilometres from Mount Gambier.
Margaret was just 34 years old when she was last seen in January 1988. Her family became concerned for her welfare after not hearing from her for several weeks, and police were first alerted to her disappearance on February 10, 1988. Despite an initial investigation, Margaret’s fate remained a mystery, leaving her loved ones with unanswered questions.
Now, detectives from SA Police’s Major Crime branch, assisted by STAR group officers, State Emergency Services, and local police, are working tirelessly to uncover the truth. The search is part of an ongoing review of the case, with detectives following a fresh lead.
“Detectives have maintained close contact with members of Margaret’s family and they are supportive of the efforts of police to locate Margaret,” said Detective Superintendent Darren Fielke. “It is a tragedy that Margaret’s family have spent the last 37 years without answers.”
In a heartfelt appeal, Detective Superintendent Fielke urged anyone with information to come forward, saying: “We would encourage those people to come forward and speak with police. Major Crime Detectives continue to actively investigate all cold case crimes to provide families with the answers they are seeking and bring those responsible to justice.”
As the search continues, Margaret’s family remains hopeful that they will finally find the answers they have been searching for. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.