The missing woman’s habit of going through the trash cans in her apartment complex may be linked to her death, police say – as the hunt for her body continues
- Lesley Trotter missing from Toowong apartment since March 27
- Police believe she is dead, but have yet to find her body
- Mrs. Trotter often sorted the recycling at the apartments
A major police investigation is underway and garbage cans have been seized at an apartment complex after a missing elderly woman was pronounced dead.
Lesley Trotter, 78, was last in contact with family at 11am on March 27 and was not at home in Brisbane’s Toowong when police carried out a check of the property the following day.
However, Mrs. Toowong’s cell phone and wallet were left at the house.
Detective Andrew Massingham confirmed that the homicide unit is involved, but did not provide details on her cause of death.
“Unfortunately, investigations yesterday afternoon and late in the evening have led us to the conclusion that Ms. Trotter is indeed deceased,” he said.
Lesley Trotter, 78, was last in contact with family at 11am on March 27 and was not at home in Brisbane’s Toowong when police checked the property the next day
“We believe she died near her unit block on Maryvale St, Toowong, and we currently have two crime scenes in that area.”
It is believed that the rubbish bins on the property were confiscated because Mrs. Trotter often sorted for recycling.
in the waste off its property and at neighboring properties.
“We have not ruled out that this activity is somehow related to her death,” he said.
“I asked homicide detectives to join this case, and they kindly did. However, at this stage we do not know whether the death is suspicious or not.
“We believe she died near her unit block on Maryvale St, Toowong, and we currently have two crime scenes in that area,” Detective Inspector Andrew Massingham said at a press conference on Good Friday.
“It will take us a few days to process the evidence we have.”
Detective Massingham also said police believe the retired teacher died between midnight on Monday March 27 and noon on Tuesday March 28.
According to the police, more than 40 detectives visited the apartment complex on Friday.
Detectives are urging anyone who has been near Maryvale Street between midnight on Monday, March 27 and Tuesday, March 28, to contact police.
Police appealed to anyone with relevant dashcam vision or CCTV, specifically between 5am and 7am on Tuesday, March 28, to come forward.