Detectives investigating the 1997 murder of Meaghan Louise Rose have released messages from family to the man wanted for questioning over the alleged cold case killing.
On 18 July 1997, 25-year-old Meaghan was found dead at the base of Point Cartwright Cliffs at Mooloolaba.
It was declared a suicide by police at the time but new evidence uncovered this year led police to reopen the case in April and offer a $500,000 reward.
On June 25 this year Homicide Cold Case Detectives re-examining the case went to a Victorian address to speak to 70 year-old Keith Lees in relation to the investigation.
The following day his vehicle was found abandoned at Portland, with Victoria Police commencing a search and rescue operation.
Mr Lees provided a false name when spoken to by police later that day in Port Fairy, Victoria.
Further investigations with the assistance of Victoria Police identified that Mr Lees was seen at a Waurn Ponds shopping centre and then leaving a Shepparton Train Station, both on June 27.
An arrest warrant was subsequently issued for Mr Lees in relation to the murder.
While there have been no further confirmed sightings, investigations indicate he may be seeking casual work in the farming and fruiting picking industries in rural and regional areas of Australia.
In an ongoing appeal to Mr Lees to come forward, and to the community for any information regarding his whereabouts, detectives have released video messages from family members.
Keith Lees’ child, Wren Dawnsong, is appealing to their father to turn himself in.
“It’s been more than 20 years now, Meaghan’s family deserve justice,” Wren Dawnsong said.
“My heart breaks for them daily, justice needs to be done.”
“The best thing anyone can do is to immediately contact the police if they see him, straight away,” Wren Dawnsong said.
Meaghan’s older sister, Christine Richards, is urging the public to report any possible sightings, even if you are not certain it is Keith Lees.
“I’m asking the public of Australia, every State and Territory, to please keep their eye open and try to find this man,” she said.
“If there is anyone out there that is helping or harbouring Keith Lees, please think about who you are dealing with,”
“Help us to bring justice for Meaghan after all this time, please help us let her rest in peace.”
Police allege Mr Lees was known to Ms Rose.
Detectives are appealing Keith Lees to come forward, and to the public for anyone with information regarding his whereabouts to immediately contact police.
Anyone who may sight him, is asked to not approach him and immediately call Triple Zero (000). For non-urgent information, please contact Crimestoppers.
A $500,000 reward remains active for information which leads to the apprehension and conviction of the person or persons responsible for Meaghan’s murder.
The Government reward further offers an opportunity for indemnity against prosecution for any accomplice, not being the person who actually committed the murder, who first gives such information.
