Leisl hasn't been seen in 13 years. Her mum wants the truth
Share and Follow

Sandi Harvey’s car isn’t the average wheels you’d usually see zooming around Sydney’s streets.

Her silver hatchback has a huge fire-breathing dragon artfully painted on the back, is plastered with a missing person’s poster and displays the words “find Leisl Smith”.

A man has been charged with the murder of Central Coast woman Leisl Smith more than six years after she disappeared. (AAP)

Her accused killer and ex-partner James Scott Church took his own life before a verdict could be reached in 2022.

His death meant all legal proceedings had to be terminated under the law.

Harvey told Ben Fordham Live on 2GB she has been driving around her tribute to Leisl since the day she went missing.

The heartbroken mother takes her car around NSW and Victoria in the hopes it might trigger someone’s memory.

“I hope that somebody sees it and goes, ‘Oh, I remember hearing something about that’, or, ‘I remember somebody told me something’,” Harvey said.

“And they can get in touch with either the Wyong police or Crime Stoppers and let them know… because not knowing is the worst thing ever.”

She also staples posters to trees and hands out business cards around popular tourist spots in both states.

Sandi Harvey car tribute to missing daughter Leisl Smith
Sandi Harvey drives around this car in the hope it triggers someone’s memory. (Supplied)

Harvey said the lack of answers following Church’s death in custody has been hard to bear.

An inquest is being held into Leisl’s disappearance and suspected murder, however no criminal court verdict will ever be delivered.

“It was just devastating. Absolutely devastating,” she said.

“You know, part of my heart is missing. Although she was living with her father, she’s still my daughter.”

Sandi Harvey
Sandi said not knowing her daughter’s fate is the worst part. (NBN)

Leisl, 23, was last seen getting into a car at Tuggerah on that 2012 day.

Her ex-partner, Church, 53, was arrested in 2019 and accused of murdering Leisl by luring her into a car and dumping her body in an unknown location.

He had pleaded not guilty before his death.

Anyone with information is urged to contact police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Readers seeking support can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or beyond blue on 1300 22 4636.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
North Lambton crash Newcastle

Man accused of causing accident resulting in the death of a woman and her unborn baby

A man will face court after he was charged over a fatal…

How to Politely Ask Dog Owners to Control Their Pets: My Saliva Allergy Story

Furry friend or public pest? Not everyone wants to be pawed by…
Liberal leader Sussan Ley during an address to the National Press Club of Australia in Canberra on Wednesday 25 June 2025. fedpol Photo: Alex Ellinghausen

“Sussan Ley reveals candid insight into Coalition’s recent election setback”

Sussan Ley has reflected on the Liberal Party’s stunning election defeat in…

“Iranian Parliament Passes Bill to Halt Collaboration with UN Nuclear Watchdog”

Iran’s parliament has approved a bill to suspend cooperation with the UN…

Exploring Australia’s Neglected Housing Crisis: 10-Year Waits and Dilapidated Motel Rooms

Australians with disability are facing a “severe” lack of affordable and accessible…
US intelligence report's damning findings about Iran bombings

Critic report reveals alarming information on bombings in Iran by US intelligence.

The US military strikes on three of Iran’s nuclear facilities last weekend…
Parts of Australia's south will be hit with a wintry blast today before conditions are expected to ease tomorrow.The cold air mass moved over the Australia's south yesterday, and today the low pressure system is expected to deliver severe winds and rain to multiple states in the south.

Flight delays caused by strong winds hitting the coastline

Strong winds are continuing to lash parts of the Australian coast today,…
Fears for Australia after 20 new bat viruses discovered in China

Concerns rise for Australia following the discovery of 20 new bat viruses in China

Twenty new bat viruses, including two closely related to the deadly nipah…