Homicide detectives are hopeful the announcement of a $500,000 reward for information into the 1989 suspicious disappearance of Michelle Lewis from Rockhampton will generate new leads.
The State Government reward was announced today during National Missing Persons Week as detectives from the Homicide Cold Case Investigation Unit renewed their appeal to the community for information.
Michelle Lewis, aged 21 at the time of her disappearance, was last seen alive riding her bike leaving a friend’s house on Stenlake Avenue, North Rockhampton, intending to ride a short distance to her home on Alexandra Street about 10.45 pm on Saturday, January 14 1989.
Detective Senior Sergeant Tara Kentwell said the Homicide Cold Case Investigation Unit began re-examining the case in 2021 and was confident the case could be solved
“Despite extensive investigations at the time and since, Michelle has never been located, nor has her bike, and police now strongly suspect she was murdered around the time she disappeared,” Detective Senior Sergeant Kentwell said.
“We believe there are people out there with information and with this significant reward announced, now is the time for those people to re-consider 33 years’ of silence and come forward to police.”
Former lead investigator, retired detective Ann Gumley joined today’s appeal, hopeful the renewed focus and reward announcement leads to a breakthrough in the case.
“I spent a lot of my time as a Rockhampton police officer searching for Michelle and I still remain committed to seeking justice for her,” Detective Gumley said.
“Michelle’s family and friends deserve answers, so if you know something, please come forward.”
The State Government’s reward offering $500,000 is for information that leads to the conviction of the person, or persons, found to be responsible for Michelle’s suspected murder.
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