Fresh plea to find teen missing since 2003
A renewed search for answers into the suspicious disappearance of a teenager from the NSW North Coast more than 20 years ago has led investigators to search a home for clues.
Rose Howell, 18, was last seen walking east along Perrys Rd in Repton in the direction of her home in Bundagen – about 25km south of Coffs Harbour – about 6.15pm on Friday, April 11, 2003.
Her mother believed her daughter had planned to meet friends in Bellingen, and it was not unusual for her to spend the night at one of her friends’ homes.
Ms Howell was also reportedly excited for her upcoming birthday party.
But she was reported missing to police when she failed to return home and meet her mum for an 11am appointment on April 13, 2003.
At the time of her disappearance, Ms Howell was described as being of caucasian appearance, with an olive complexion, about 160cm-165cm tall, with hazel eyes and short, dark hair worn in a mohawk.
In 2012, the NSW coroner determined that it was likely Ms Howell had died.
However, the inquest was unable to confirm the date, place and cause of death and the case was referred to the Unsolved Homicide Team for reinvestigation.
Following the investigation, homicide detectives executed a warrant at a Repton property on June 4 this year.
The search of the property was assisted by the NSW Police Force dog and mounted units, specialist forensic officers and the Australian Federal Police’s specialist forensic search and imagery team, which used a ground penetrating radar.
A Ford Falcon believed to be connected to Ms Howell’s disappearance was also forensically examined on July 8.
Homicide squad commander Detective Superintendent Danny Doherty said policed believed there were still people out there who knew something about what happened to Ms Howell.
“Our detectives haven’t – and won’t – give up on finding answers for Rose’s loved ones,” Superintendent Doherty said.
“Her family deserve answers having dealt with the uncertainty of what happened over two decades ago.
“The public are reminded that there is no piece of information too small for investigators; your tip could be the missing piece of the puzzle in this investigation.”
The latest search comes a year after the NSW government and NSW Police Force announced a $750,000 reward for any information regarding Ms Howell’s disappearance.
NSW Police confirmed the owners of the Repton property had no involvement or connection to Ms Howell’s disappearance.
