A mother is still seeking answers over her daughter’s cold case murder after a second coroner failed to determine who was responsible.
Joy Membrey, 85, today asked Victoria’s State Coroner John Cain how she was meant to live without answers over Elisabeth’s disappearance.
“All I want out of life is my daughter found,” she told Judge Cain today.
They alleged the DNA of Membrey’s housemate’s brother matched DNA found in her car.
The individual, who had a past conviction for sexually assaulting a woman in another state, informed detectives that he had relocated Membrey’s car as it was obstructing his sister’s vehicle.
He claimed he was staying with his parents on the night of Membrey’s disappearance.
Investigators suspected the individual of being involved in Membrey’s murder due to newly found DNA evidence and his abrupt departure to Queensland the day following her disappearance.
He allegedly told friends and family he knew what happened to Membrey.
Although detectives compiled a brief of evidence for the Office of Public Prosecutions, the office concluded that there were no reasonable chances of securing a conviction against the individual.
He has never been charged with Membrey’s murder or any other offences related to her disappearance.
Judge Cain today found he also could not determine that the man was responsible for Membrey’s death.
“I have concluded the evidence falls just short of the coronial standard of proof,” he told the court.
He apologised to Joy Membrey and her family for failing to provide answers and closure, acknowledging the unimaginable grief and anguish they have experienced.
Mrs Membrey questioned the coroner in response, saying it was unfair and she was confident the accused man was responsible for her daughter’s murder.
“I cannot live another few years not knowing what happened with my daughter,” she said.
Judge Cain reiterated he had reviewed all of the evidence carefully and the hearing was the final stage unless there was other new evidence.
