Rose Howell, then aged eighteen, was last seen about 6.15pm on Friday 11 April 2003, walking east along Perry’s Road in Repton in the direction of her home in Bundagen – about 25km south of Coffs Harbour.

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Rose’s mother understood she had intended to meet friends in Bellingen, and it was not unusual for her to spend the night at one of her friends’ homes.

Police were also told Rose was excited for her upcoming birthday party.

On Sunday 13 April 2003, Rose was reported missing to police after she failed to return home and meet her mother for an 11am appointment.

At the time of her disappearance, Rose was described as being of Caucasian appearance, with an olive complexion, about 160am – 165cm tall, with hazel eyes and short, dark hair worn in a Mohawk.

Following a 2012 inquest, the NSW Coroner determined that it was likely Ms Howell had died, but the date, place and cause of death was undetermined, and the case was referred to the Unsolved Homicide Team for re-investigation.

In 2023, detectives from the Unsolved Homicide Team commenced an assessment of the investigation which led to the re-investigation under Strike Force Chelonia.

The NSW Government and NSW Police Force have since announced a $750,000 reward for information regarding Ms Howell’s disappearance.

As part of ongoing investigations under Strike Force Chelonia, detectives executed a crime scene warrant at a Repton property, south of Coffs Harbour, on Tuesday 4 June 2024.

“Searches were conducted of two external areas of the property with the assistance of the NSWPF Dog & Mounted Unit, specialist forensic officers and the Australian Federal Police’s specialist Forensic Search and Imagery (FSI) team, utilising ground penetrating radar,” a NSW Police spokesperson told NOTA.

On Monday 8 July 2024, a Ford Falcon believed to be connected to Ms Howell’s disappearance was also forensically examined.

Homicide Squad Commander, Detective Superintendent Danny Doherty, believes there are still people out there who know something about what happened.

“Our detectives haven’t – and won’t – give up on finding answers for Rose’s loved ones,” Det Supt Doherty said.

“Her family deserve answers having dealt with the uncertainty of what happened over two decades ago.

“The public are reminded that there is no piece of information too small for investigators; your tip could be the missing piece of the puzzle in this investigation.”

Investigations under Strike Force Chelonia continue.