Daniel Copeland investigation: Chilling development as cops launch massive search effort after man, 40, suddenly disappeared
A new search has started for a man who disappeared without a trace five months ago.
Homicide detectives now believe Daniel Copeland, 40, has faced foul play and will conduct a land and water search in northern New South Wales over the next two days.
Police on Wednesday released CCTV footage of Mr Copeland at a bottle shop in Maclean on September 3 last year as part of a new appeal for information.
He was then seen the next day traveling in the Wooli area, south-east of Grafton, in a silver 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer.
After Daniel Copeland disappeared in September, a large-scale search began
CCTV footage (pictured) shows Mr Copeland in a bottle shop on Centenary Drive in Maclean at 2.35pm on September 3
Chief Inspector Daniel Doherty of the Homicide Squad said investigations so far have led detectives to the river.
“Homicide detectives will be searching the Wooli Wooli River area over the next two days, looking for any clues that could lead us to Daniel,” he said.
‘While our investigation continues, we are also continuing to appeal to anyone who may have seen anything suspicious around the time of Daniel’s disappearance.’
Mr Doherty said police believe the missing man may have links to Toowoomba in Queensland, and asked anyone in that area with information to come forward.
“Ultimately, this is an exercise in finding answers for the family, friends and loved ones of Daniel Copeland,” he said.
Mr Copeland is described as white, approximately 165cm tall, of heavy build, with a blond mohawk and a full sleeve tattoo on his right arm.
CCTV footage shows Mr Copeland at a bottle shop on Centenary Drive in Maclean on September 3 at 2.35pm.
He is seen buying a case of Woodstock Bourbon and Coke before getting into a white Toyota 4WD.
The following day, the missing man was captured traveling in the Wooli area, about 12km south-east of Grafton, in a silver 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer.
Detectives believe Copeland was not traveling alone and said he “encountered foul play.”
Mr Copeland is described as white, approximately 165cm tall, of heavy build, with a blond mohawk and a full sleeve tattoo on his right arm.
He was last seen wearing North Queensland Cowboys NRL shorts, a green long sleeve shirt and a black hoodie.