Sinister theory sparks fresh search for remains of missing mum-of-five Lorrin Whitehead who vanished without a trace
Detectives are investigating whether a missing woman who disappeared without a trace more than a decade ago faced a crime after new information prompted a new search for her remains.
Lorrin Whitehead, then 42, was last seen getting into the driver’s seat of a red 4WD in Bannockburn near Geelong, southwest of Melbourne, on February 8, 2013.
The mother-of-five was seen buying a bottle of water, a greeting card and a pen at a local supermarket after leaving her home at around 4.40pm.
On Tuesday morning, police launched a new search after receiving new information about the possible location of Ms Whitehead’s remains.
Police and SES crews were seen searching bushland at a remote property in Shelford, about 12 miles west of Bannockburn.
They were looking for Ms Whitehead’s remains and several devices she owned, including a laptop that was never recovered.
“We have a responsibility to Lauren, her five children, her elderly parents and the close-knit community of Bannockburn to resolve this investigation,” Detective Sergeant Steven Murphy told reporters.
“We are considering all theories regarding Lorrin’s disappearance, and that includes foul play.”
New clues have led to a renewed search for Lorrin Whitehead (pictured), who disappeared without a trace more than a decade ago
Lorrin Whitehead was last seen buying some items in a supermarket shortly before she disappeared without a trace in February 2013
“But as we do that, we must keep an open mind.
“We are looking for certain objects that are of interest to us, as well as Lorrin’s remains.”
It remains unclear what specific information led police to search the private property in Shelford Herald Sun reported.
“Today is another one of those things we’re doing to follow up on every piece of information,” Sergeant Murphy said.
‘The area being searched today is not an area that people will regularly walk through, so we hope that even after all these years there will still be some sign of Lorrin.
“I can only begin to imagine how difficult the past twelve years have been for Lorrin’s family and loved ones as they had no answers as to why or how she disappeared.”
Ms Whitehead (pictured) was last seen in the driver’s seat of a red four-wheel drive in Bannockburn’s CBD, near Geelong, southern Victoria on February 8, 2013.
Police have released a computer-generated image of what the mother of five would look like today at the age of 53
Her bank accounts have not been used since the day she went missing when her work phone was found in her home.
A second witness reported seeing a red 4WD parked on the nature strip of Lorrin’s property during the weekend of her disappearance.
Police launched an appeal for information last year for more information about the vehicle as Ms Whitehead did not own a red 4WD at the time of her disappearance.
Mrs Whitehead’s eldest daughter, Amelia Grozdanovski, was just 11 when her mother disappeared.
‘We are none the wiser. We have had no clear leads, although many people have come forward with information, theories and helpful comments,” she told the ABC last year.
Sergeant Murphy said police have continued to receive new information and speak to people who knew Ms Whitehead about her disappearance.
Homicide Unit investigators are not part of the renewed search effort.
The owners of the land searched are not involved in the investigation and have given police permission to search their property.
Anyone with information about Ms Whitehead’s disappearance is urged to call Crime Stoppers.