Missing 15-year-old Melissa Trussell
Share this @internewscast.com
Police have issued a renewed appeal to help solve the cold case murder and disappearance of an Adelaide mother and her teenage daughter 25 years ago.

Rosemary Brown, 33, and her daughter Melisssa Trussell, 15, were last seen in Blair Athol, around 4km from Adelaide’s CBD, at around 2.30am on May 13, 2000.

Rosemary’s handbag was found later that same day on Stirling Street in Northfield.

Missing 15-year-old Melissa Trussell
Missing 15-year-old Melissa Trussell. (South Australia Police)

It was not handed into police until May 23 following a public appeal about the missing women.

Nearly two months later on July 2, Rosemary’s body was discovered in mangroves at Garden Island, a city north-west of Adelaide.

Melissa has never been found and police believe she was murdered.

On the 25th anniversary of the discovery of Rosemary’s remains, police have asked the public for assistance in solving the “disturbing” double cold case.

Melissa Trussell (Brown), aged 15, went missing from Adelaide in 2000
Police have shared new photos of Melissa in the hope someone comes forward. (South Australia Police)

Detective Superintendent Darren Fielke said police were using the grim milestone to hopefully encourage somebody with information to come forward.

“As you can imagine, that’s 25 years of ongoing pain and suffering for the family not knowing what has happened to Rosemary and Melissa,” Fielke said.

“This case is particularly disturbing in that we found the body of a murdered mother, and we have a 15-year-old girl who remains missing and we suspect has been murdered.”

Fielke shared never-before-seen photographs of the mother and daughter.

He said their loved ones, particularly Rosemary’s father and sister, are still overcome with grief.

Rosemary Brown was found murdered near Adelaide on July 2, 2000.
Rosemary Brown was found murdered near Adelaide on July 2, 2000. (South Australia Police)

Fielke said police are following “positive lines of inquiry” into Rosemary’s murder and Melissa’s disappearance and was hopeful the investigation was close to a breakthrough.

“But we can always have more information and sometimes it’s those little pieces of the jigsaw we are looking for to put it all together,” he added.

A $1 million reward remains on offer for anyone with information which leads to the conviction of those responsible.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Netanyahu Directs Israeli Forces to Intensify Operations in Southern Lebanon

IN BRIEF Last week, Israel said it would seize southern Lebanon as…
An aerial image of the Walwa property where Dezi Freeman was reportedly located this morning.

Son of Convicted Cop Killer Condemns ‘Disgusting’ Remarks About His Father

A man identifying himself as Dezi’s oldest son, Koah, expressed anger on…
Trump threatens to wipe out critical Iranian island if deal isn't reached 'shortly'

Trump Issues Ultimatum: Iranian Island’s Fate Hinges on Swift Deal Resolution

US President Donald Trump has threatened widespread destruction of Iran‘s energy resources…
Finder has revealed 12 per cent of Australians felt the regret when faced with a minor health matter such as a dental visit.

One-in-Five Australians Regret This Common Financial Blunder: Survey Insights

One-in-five Australians regret not taking out private health insurance after being stung…
Apple almost went broke – now it's celebrating 50 years

Apple Overcomes Financial Struggles to Celebrate 50 Years of Innovation

Apple’s journey from the brink of collapse to becoming one of the…
Aerial still of the property where Dezi Freeman was shot, March 30, 2026.

Unveiling the Details: How the Police Operation Led to the Fatal Shooting of Dezi Freeman

It seemed straight out of a dystopian film. Dezi Freeman, who had…
Dezi Freeman's friend says he thought fugitive had died seven months ago

Shock Revelation: Fugitive Dezi Freeman Was Presumed Dead by Friends Seven Months Prior

One of Dezi Freeman’s close friends says he believed the fugitive was…

Lea Opens Up About Year-Long Rift with Sister: Age Gap Cited as Key Factor in Family Divide

Siblings often serve as our first companions and lifelong competitors. They are…

Tragic Porepunkah Shooting: Unraveling the Events Leading to Cop-Killer’s Demise

The elusive manhunt for a fugitive, believed to be Freeman, has concluded…

Unmasking the Beneficiaries: How Your Outrage Fuels Profit in the Digital Age

SBS respectfully recognizes the traditional custodians of the lands across Australia. I…
Cash supporters are calling on the federal government to expand the cash mandate.

New Cash Mandate Targets Major Retailers: Bunnings and McDonald’s to Accept Physical Currency

Pro-cash advocates are calling on the federal government to expand the cash…

Prime Minister Announces Fuel Excise Cuts in New National Energy Strategy

In Brief The fuel excise will be halved for three months. The…