More than 25 years have passed since 15-year-old Melissa Trussell went missing with her mother in South Australia.
Now, police have launched a renewed search for the teenager’s remains.
The investigation into Melissa’s disappearance has been ongoing for over two decades.
Her mother, Rosemary Brown, was found dead in the mangroves of Garden Island in northwest Adelaide, but Melissa’s body was never found.
Police suspect she was murdered, but no one has been charged in relation to their deaths.
A previously unsearched area of Garden Island is now being combed by police, with Detective Superintendent Darren Fielke stating, “This search demonstrates that we will not give up looking for answers.”
A Family’s Unanswered Questions
Melissa’s father, Barry Trussell, spoke to the ABC about the pain of not knowing what happened to his daughter.
“The what ifs, you know – what sort of mother would she have been? What sort of life would she have led?” he said.
Melissa’s sister, Kayla, also urged anyone with information to come forward, saying, “It’s all that we can really ask for.”
A Reward for Information
The South Australian government and police are offering a reward of up to $1 million for anyone who provides information leading to the conviction of the person or persons responsible for Melissa’s suspected murder.
Additionally, rewards of up to $250,000 are available for information leading to the conviction of the person or persons responsible for Rosemary Brown’s murder.
As the search for the truth continues, police remain dedicated to uncovering the truth and holding those responsible accountable.
Anyone with information is encouraged to come forward.