Police on hunt for wanted man

POLICE believe a man wanted in relation to the suspected murder of a woman on the Sunshine Coast more than two decades ago could be hiding out in Victoria’s farming and fruit picking industries.

Detectives from the Homicide Cold Case Investigation Team (CCIT) have obtained an arrest warrant for 70-year-old Keith Lees in relation to the 1997 death of his former partner Meaghan Louise Rose.

Twenty-five-year-old Ms Rose was located deceased at the base of Point Cartwright Cliffs at Mooloolaba on July 18, 1997. Her vehicle, which contained a number of personal items, was located at the top of the cliffs.

Her death was originally ruled a suicide, however new information came to light revealing suspicious circumstances, including a life insurance policy which was taken out before her death.

Ms Rose had moved from Victoria to Queensland with Mr Lees, who was more than 20 years older than her.

The couple moved to the Sunshine Coast with his young son.

Once there, a life insurance policy was taken out for Ms Rose with a clause that it had to run for 13 months before coverage applied in the case of suicide.

She was found dead 13 months and three days later and a $203,000 payout was claimed.

Homicide CCIT detectives re-examining the case, attended a Victorian address on June 25 to speak to Mr Lees in relation to the ongoing investigation.

The following the day, June 26, his vehicle was located abandoned at Portland, with Victoria Police commencing a search and rescue operation.

Mr Lees provided a false name when spoken to by police later that day in Port Fairy, Victoria.

Queensland Police Service investigations, with the assistance of Victoria Police, have identified that Mr Lees was seen at a Waurn Ponds shopping centre in Geelong on June 27 when he purchased new clothes.

He was further sighted leaving Shepparton train station that day, wearing a distinctive black and white jacket.

Police said information indicated he may be seeking casual work in the farming and fruit picking industries.

While investigations remain ongoing into his current whereabouts, it is believed he could still be in Victoria, or have travelled interstate.

A $500,000 reward stands for information that helps police apprehend Mr Lees.

The government reward further offers an opportunity for indemnity against prosecution for any accomplice, not being the person who actually committed the murder, who first gives such information.

People have been urged not to approach Mr Lees and call 000 if he is identified. He is described of medium build, about 170cm tall and has grey receding hair.