The cold case involving the tragic murders of Rosemary Brown and her daughter Melissa Trussell in South Australia is once again gaining attention. Detectives are reinvestigating this case, which has remained unresolved since 2000. During a recent exclusive interview with 9News, former police diver Peter Menz recounted his experiences during the original investigation and expressed his support for the renewed search for answers.
Menz has an extensive background in underwater investigations, having spent over thirty years solving some of the state’s most significant murder cases. However, the case of Brown and 15-year-old Trussell, whose bodies were discovered in mangroves at Garden Island, is one that continues to haunt him. Menz, who was one of the first responders on the scene, was tasked with retrieving the body of Brown, who had been missing for weeks alongside her daughter.
Despite a thorough search conducted at the time, Trussell’s remains were never located. Menz recalled the difficulty of working in darkness, which hindered their efforts to conduct a complete search. In the past month, major crime detectives have revisited the case, conducting additional searches around Garden Island in hopes of uncovering new evidence or discovering Trussell’s remains.
Authorities are optimistic that advances in technology and investigative techniques may aid in resolving this long-standing case. Menz expressed his support for these recent efforts, emphasising the importance of seeking closure for the families involved. As the investigation unfolds, many are hopeful for a breakthrough that might finally bring justice for the victims and their loved ones.