Queensland Police Cold Case Investigation Team (CCIT) detectives have launched a campaign across public transport sites in Queensland and South Australia, as part of their continued search for a 70-year-old man wanted in relation to a 1997 murder.
An arrest warrant was obtained in July for Keith Lees, who is wanted over the murder of Meaghan Louise Rose on the Sunshine Coast on July 18th, 1997. Meaghan, 25, was located deceased at the base of Point Cartwright Cliffs at Mooloolaba.
Homicide Cold Case detectives re-examining the case, attended a Victorian address on June 25 to speak to Mr Lees in relation to the investigation.
The following day, Police say his vehicle was located abandoned at Portland. CCTV then identified him in Port Fairy the same day, before he was sighted in Waurn Ponds and Shepparton on June 27th.
There have been no further confirmed sightings since, but investigators believe he may be seeking casual work in the farming and fruit picking industries in rural and regional areas of Australia.
As part of ongoing efforts to locate Mr Lees, CCIT detectives have launched a campaign with digital posters across public transport sites – to appeal to the public for any information in relation to his whereabouts.
Simultaneously, detectives are following up on further lines of enquiry, re-contacting all known associates of Mr Lees and engaging with members of the public regarding the appeal for information.
CCIT Detective Senior Sergeant Tara Kentwell said investigators are particularly appealing to regional and rural Australians to be vigilant regarding new persons in their town.
“It is likely Keith Lees has changed his appearance and is using a false name,” Detective Senior Sergeant Kentwell said.
“We urge those in our regional communities to take a moment and consider if any men new to town since June, who have similar features or characteristics, may be Mr Lees and to immediately report that information to police.
“Any information, no matter how small or insignificant, could mean the closure of an investigation 26 years in the making and bring closure to Meaghan’s family.”
