Australian boy Markyia Major vanishes without a trace in Far North Queensland – as police investigation uncovers ‘red flags’
Australian boy Markyia Major disappears without a trace in Far North Queensland – as police investigation reveals ‘red flags’
Police are seriously concerned about a 17-year-old boy who went missing in Far North Queensland over a month ago.
Markyia Major, 17, from the coastal Aboriginal Shire town of Yarrabah, near Cairns, was last seen at his home in Westcourt on August 15.
The 17-year-old’s mother reported him missing on September 2 after her son failed to contact his family or access his bank account
Markyia’s mother told police that her son had been “away for a few days” in the past and expected to hear from him.
Acting Detective Constable Chetham said the Markyia’s mother “conducted her own investigation” before approaching police, who then launched an investigation into his disappearance.
Markyia Major, 17, was last at his home in the Cairns suburb of Westcourt on August 15. His mother said the teen has had no contact with his family or access to his bank account since he disappeared.
Acting Detective Constable Chetham (pictured) said Markyia’s disappearance was ‘unusual’ and the lack of contact with family and friends has raised ‘red flags’ for investigators
“It’s actually the lack of contact with family and friends that is the red flag for us,” Acting Detective Constable Chetham said. The ABC.
‘His mother says that she certainly expected contact much earlier. Markyia has gone out for a few days in the past, but nothing like this has happened, so it’s very unusual.”
Inspector Chetham said Markyia’s behavior was ‘very normal’ in the lead up to his disappearance.
He added that the teen did not talk about leaving the area and did not have any confrontations with his family or friends.
Police said they had an “open mind” after being asked whether they suspected “foul play” in his disappearance.
Inspector Chetham said police are questioning Markyia’s wide range of friends and associates.
“Nobody has been able to come forward at this point and establish what his movements were,” Mr Chetham said.
“We just don’t know… we’re investigating it as a missing person report.”
Markyia is described as 150cm tall, with a slim build and shoulder-length curly black hair.
Anyone with information on Markyia’s whereabouts or who has seen the teenager is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.