To coincide with Missing Persons Week, police are renewing an appeal for information to find a teenager who went missing from Bellingen in the state’s north more than 17 years ago.
Rose Howell was 18 when she left her home in the Bellingen town of Repton on Friday, April 11, 2003.
Her mother believed she was meeting some friends nearby and it was not unusual for her to spend the night at one of their homes.
On Sunday, April 13, Rose was reported missing to police when she failed to return home and meet her mother for an 11am appointment.
At the time of her disappearance, Rose was described as being of Caucasian appearance, with an olive complexion, about 160 to 165 centimetres tall, with hazel eyes and short, dark hair in a mohawk.
She also had a condition in her right leg which caused her to walk with a slight limp.
During the investigation, it was reported to police that Rose was seen hitch-hiking in the southbound lanes of the Pacific Highway, not far from the Bundagen turn-off, on the day she went missing.
In 2012, a coronial inquest found it was likely Rose had died, but the date, place and cause of her death was undetermined.
“At the time of her disappearance, Rose was excited about her upcoming 19th birthday party. Today, she would have been be 36 years old,” Missing Persons Registry Manager, Detective Inspector Glen Browne, said.
“Rose was a strong, independent young woman in the prime of her life. She had a keen interest in local theatre, played the bass guitar and wrote songs.
“We encourage anyone in the community that may have information to come forward, regardless of how insignificant you think it may be.
“After a 17-year search for answers, that small piece of information may be a step towards providing some peace to Rose’s mum and loved ones.”
Anyone with information about Rose Howell’s disappearance is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
