Father's mystery disappearance now considered suspicious
A father who disappeared from Melbourne almost 14 years ago is now believed to have met with foul play.
Brendan Breen was reported missing when he cancelled dinner with his separated wife via text message in May 2012 but there were some doubts about whether he’d left on his own accord until he missed his own daughter’s funeral four years later.

This morning, authorities renewed their call for information regarding his disappearance, emphasizing that the circumstances remain unclear.

Father's Unexplained Disappearance Now Deemed Suspicious by Authorities
Brendan Breen was reported missing when he cancelled dinner with his wife via text message in May 2012 but there were some doubts about whether he’d left on his own accord until he missed his own daughter’s funeral four years later. (Victoria Police)

Inspector Dave Dunstan of the missing persons unit noted that concerns escalated when Breen did not attend the October 18 funeral, marking a pivotal moment for the squad’s involvement.

“Even after 14 years, we firmly believe there are individuals who possess knowledge about Brendan’s fate, the parties involved, and the reasons behind it,” he expressed in a statement.

“The tiniest piece of information could be the key to a breakthrough, potentially allowing us to provide Brendan’s family with much-needed answers.”

Authorities stated that Breen, who also went by the names Brendan Green, Brian Greer, and Brendan Lacombe, had a history of fraud charges and had served time in prison.

“Several aspects of his disappearance remain troubling, particularly the extended period without any trace,” Dunstan added.

“We know he had a number of associates who were also known to police, and while they have been spoken to over the years, this remains an active avenue of enquiry for investigators.”

Breen, who was 55 at the time, was last seen in Melbourne on April 12, 2012, and the cancelled dinner was on May 9 that same year.

Police said they were still on good terms and she became concerned when he cancelled at the last minute with a text and then stopped answering her calls.

They appealed for help to find the man but said it didn’t turn up any new leads.

“Despite a number of enquiries over the next few years, Brendan could not be located,” police said.

“In October 2018, Brendan failed to appear at his daughter’s funeral and his family believed this to be out of character as the pair were close.

“The matter was reviewed and detectives now believe Brendan’s disappearance is suspicious, and he has most likely met with foul play.

“His bank accounts and phone have never been accessed, and there has never been any reported sightings of Brendan.”

NEVER MISS A STORY: Get your breaking news and exclusive stories first by following us across all platforms.

You May Also Like

Stoned Subaru Driver Sentenced After Killing 79-Year-Old Grandpa

Left inset: Amy Dalton (El Paso County Sheriff’s Office). Right inset: Robert…

Mother Accused of Denying 5-Year-Old Treatment for Tooth Infection That Could Have Been Fatal

Inset: Jenice Long (La Crosse County Jail). Background: The La Crosse County…

‘We Will Be Back’: Man Threatened Homeowner Over Ex-Wife, Claimed ‘Night Stalkers’ Ties, Sheriff Says

Inset: Henry Walter Chapman III (Bexar County Sheriff’s Office). Background: The gated…

Homeless Sex Offender Arrested After Alleged Sexual Battery of Juvenile Asleep at Bus Stop

Staff report GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Phillip Williamson, 67, was arrested yesterday in…

Police: Driver Who Drank Four Beers Before Fatal Cyclist Crash Smelled of Alcohol

Inset: Michael Barr at Falkenburg Road Jail. Background: Falkenburg Road Jail in…

Homeless Man Arrested After Allegedly Punching Officer Behind Headquarters Library

Staff report GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Lacy Clifton Lindsay Jr., 72, was arrested…

Woman Told Sister She Was ‘Not Good’ Before Husband Killed Her, Police Say

Inset: Weldon Ray Powell (Wood County Sheriff’s Office). Background: Wood County Jail…

Father Indicted After Baby Son Found Dead With Blunt Force Injuries

Inset: King Phelps (WTTG/YouTube). Background: The Washington, D.C., area where the infant…