South Australian schoolgirl Melissa Trussell was last seen with her mother Rosemary Brown in Blair Athol in Adelaide's north at about 2.30am on Saturday, May 13 in 2000.
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An investigation is currently in progress to ascertain if a vehicle discovered during the search efforts for schoolgirl Melissa Trussell’s remains is connected to her alleged murder from 25 years ago.

The vehicle was uncovered on Garden Island today as divers searched through water and mangroves as a part of a fresh probe into her disappearance.

South Australian schoolgirl Melissa Trussell was last seen with her mother Rosemary Brown in Blair Athol in Adelaide's north at about 2.30am on Saturday, May 13 in 2000.
South Australian schoolgirl Melissa Trussell was last seen with her mother Rosemary Brown in Blair Athol in Adelaide’s north at about 2.30am on Saturday, May 13 in 2000. (South Australia Police)

She was 15 at the time of her disappearance and her mother was 33.

Rosemary’s body was found in mangroves at Garden Island in Adelaide’s north-west on Sunday, July 2 in 2000.

However, her daughter was never located and police suspect she was murdered.

Divers will search through water and mangroves today as a part of a fresh search for the remains of Melissa Trussell.
Divers will search through water and mangroves today as a part of a fresh search for the remains of Melissa Trussell. (9News)

The search on the northern part of Garden Island for Melissa’s remains has been paused for the day, with authorities stating it will resume at a later time.

A section of the vehicle’s front grill was taken from the scene to help police identify the vehicle.

Police are working to determine whether the vehicle is connected with the murder and suspected murder of the mother and daughter.

Depending on the results of the investigation, police recover the car for further examination.

Earlier today, South Australia Police detective superintendent Darren Fielke said police were “hopeful” they could find Melissa’s remains.

“This search demonstrates that we will not give up looking for answers,” Fielke said.

“Our commitment is unwavering, and we will persist with this investigation until we can bring closure and, ideally, justice for the families of Rosemary Brown and Melissa Trussell.”

Earlier this month, the family of Melissa issued a public plea for information 25 years after Rosemary’s body was discovered.

Melissa’s sister Kayla said the family had experienced “decades of pain” and just wanted answers.

“It’s all that we can really ask for,” she said.

“She was my best friend, we were just so close.”

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