Today, divers are conducting a renewed search in water and mangrove areas for the remains of Melissa Trussell, who went missing 25 years ago when she was just 15 years old. At the time, her mother, Rosemary Brown, was 33. Rosemary’s body was discovered in the mangroves of Garden Island, in Adelaide’s north-west, on July 2, 2000. However, Melissa has never been found, and authorities suspect she was murdered.
As part of an extensive cold case review, police are focusing their efforts on a previously unsearched location on the northern side of Garden Island during this latest search. Detectives are also pursuing new leads and utilising advanced DNA testing techniques to investigate the case further.
Detective Superintendent Darren Fielke expressed optimism about the possibility of finding Melissa’s remains, stating, “This search demonstrates that we will not give up looking for answers.” He reaffirmed the commitment of South Australia Police to continue investigating until they can provide closure and justice for the families of both victims.
Earlier this month, Melissa’s family made a public appeal for information, reflecting on the lasting pain they have endured over the years. Her sister, Kayla, shared the deep emotional toll, saying the family simply seeks answers. “It’s all that we can really ask for,” she mentioned, expressing the unique bond she shared with her sister, describing her as her best friend.