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.
Share and Follow

An investigation is under way to determine whether a vehicle found during the search for the remains of schoolgirl Melissa Trussell is linked to her suspected murder 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 side of Garden Island for the remains of Melissa has been suspended for day, with police saying it will be continued another day.

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.

“We will continue to investigate this matter and will not stop until we can provide closure and hopefully justice for the loved ones of both 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.”

Share and Follow
You May Also Like

My Father’s Hidden Truth: A Heartbreaking Revelation Meant to Shield Me

With ageing parents living longer and children not leaving home, what’s it…
People gather during protest on January 8, 2026 in Tehran, Iran. Demonstrations have been ongoing since December, triggered by soaring inflation and the collapse of the rial, and have expanded into broader demands for political change.

Currency Collapse Triggers National Crisis: Hundreds Dead as Economic Turmoil Threatens to Overthrow Government

A US dollar was worth about 70 Iranian rials during the Iranian…
'Help is on its way': Trump urges Iranians to keep protesting

Trump Encourages Continued Protests in Iran, Promises Support

US President Donald Trump urged Iranians on Tuesday to keep protesting and…
Trisha Graf

Urgent Search: SA Police Intensify Bushland Hunt for Missing Mother – Latest Updates

Detectives specializing in major crimes have made their way to the isolated…
Parts of the state received a year's worth of rain in just a week.

Heightened Concerns Persist in Queensland Despite Rainfall Reduction Following Severe Flooding

Queensland’s premier has warned residents in the state’s north and western regions…

Greenland’s PM Declares ‘Denmark Over the US’ in Bold Pre-White House Statement

Greenland would choose to remain Danish over a US takeover, its leader…

AI Avatar Profits: Controversial Use of Indigenous Imagery on Social Media

To many, he’s an Aboriginal man building an online following – yet…

Kevin Rudd Resigns as Australia’s Ambassador to the United States

Kevin Rudd is stepping down from his role as ambassador to the…