ZAIDA GLIBANOVIC
POLICE BEAT
HISTORIC MORWELL CASE WARRANT
A 70-year-old man has a warrant for his arrest in connection with the 1997 murder of Morwell woman Meaghan Louise Rose on the Sunshine Coast by detectives from the Homicide Cold Case Investigation Team.
Meaghan Rose, 25, was discovered dead at the base of the Point Cartwright Cliffs in Mooloolaba on July 18, 1997.
Her vehicle, which held a variety of personal goods and was parked at the cliff’s edge.
Initial investigations indicated that her death was not suspicious, but fresh material emerged indicating unusual circumstances, including a life insurance policy purchased previous to her death.
Homicide CCIT officers re-examining the case went to a Victorian house on June 25 to meet with Keith Lees, 70, about the continuing enquiry.
The next day, June 26, his car was discovered abandoned in Portland, prompting Victoria Police to launch a search and rescue effort.
When questioned by police later that day in Port Fairy, Victoria, Mr Lees gave a fake name.
Mr Lees was sighted at a Waurn Ponds retail centre on June 27, where he purchased new clothing, according to QPS investigations with the aid of Victoria Police.
On June 27, he was seen exiting Shepparton Train Station. In addition, he was observed sporting a striking black and white jacket.
According to police information, he may be looking for a part-time job in the agricultural and fruit-picking industries.
While enquiries into his present location continue, it is thought he is still in Victoria or has moved interstate.
Keith Lees is said to have known Meaghan Louise Rose.
Detectives are pleading for Keith Lees to come forward, and they are asking the public to call police immediately if they have any information on his whereabouts.
Anyone who sees him is urged not to approach him and to phone Triple Zero (000) immediately. Call Crimestoppers if you have no pressing information.
A $500,000 reward is still available for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for Meaghan’s murder.
EMERGENCY LIGHTS OFFENCE DETECTED
On Wednesday, August 2, Stratford and Sale Police units were performing speed enforcement on the Bengworden Road in Sale.
A vehicle had been intercepted for speed by the Stratford Unit, the Sale police who were no longer required, commenced to drive back to Sale.
Sale Police observed a vehicle passing the Stratford member on the side of the road while his vehicle had the red and blue flashing emergency lights activated travelling at a speed of 100 km/ph.
Sale Police intercepted this vehicle as the driver had been committing an offence under Rule 79A (3) of the Road Safety Road Rules 2017.
This section states “A driver must not drive past, or overtake, a stationary or slow-moving police vehicle, emergency vehicle, enforcement vehicle, escort vehicle or incident response service vehicle that is displaying a flashing blue, red, magenta, or yellow light (whether or not it is also displaying other lights) or sounding an alarm at a speed greater than 40 km/ph.”
Road users found committing this offence can be issued on the spot fines of $337.
Police would like to remind drivers to slow down to 40 km/ph when passing Police or any Emergency vehicle when they have emergency lights activated.
MOE HOUSE FIRE
FIREFIGHTERS were called out to house fire in Margaret Street, Moe on Wednesday, August 2, at around 9.16am.
Police, Fire Rescue Victoria and paramedics were on the scene to find the roof of the Moe house ablaze.
As reported by the Herald Sun, a FRV spokesperson said two people were evacuated from the house and attended to by ambulances on the scene.
The fire was under control by 10.35am, with Police stating the fire was not marked as suspicious and hence will not be investigated.
Anyone with information or who witnessed the fire is urged to contact Crime Stoppers Victoria on 1800 333 000 or the Moe Police Station on (03) 5128 1100.
