Devastating twist in the case of a 14-year-old girl who disappeared more than a month ago
- Shyanne-Lee Tatnell, 14, is still missing
- Last seen in Launceston over a month ago
- Hopes car footage can help find her
Police have had a setback in the desperate search for a 14-year-old girl who mysteriously disappeared more than a month ago, with forensic examination of seized items revealing no connection to the missing teen.
Shyanne-Lee Tatnell, from the northwest Tasmanian town of Burnie, was last seen crossing the Henry St bridge over the North Esk River in Launceston on Sunday April 30 between 8.30pm and 9pm.
On Monday, investigators announced that items discovered by officers in connection with the girl’s missing, including a vehicle, had been forensically tested but negative.
However, detectives are still trying to identify the drivers of two cars captured by cameras passing by the spot where Shyanne was last seen.
Shyanne-Lee Tatnell, a 14-year-old from Burnie in northwestern Tasmania, has been missing for over a month since she was last seen on a bridge in Launceston
Northern CIB Inspector Nathan Johnston has appealed to the public for help.
“There were several vehicles of interest near Henry Street, on their way to Launceston, around 9pm on April 30 when Shyanne was last seen,” he said.
“Of these vehicles, police have identified all but two.
“If you can help the police identify these two vehicles, please come forward. It is possible that the driver and any occupants in these vehicles may have seen something that could help police locate Shyanne or determine her movements.”
Inspector Johnston said detectives had spoken to a number of ‘interested parties’ and seized a vehicle belonging to one of them.
However, forensic analysis had found no connection to the missing girl.
He also revealed that search and rescue teams continued to conduct regular searches of the North Esk River and Henry St bridge area.
Police are looking for the drivers of two mysterious cars caught on CCTV near the disappearance
Shyanne-Lee Tatnell was last seen crossing the Henry St Bridge over the North Esk River in Launceston between 8.30pm and 9pm on Sunday 30 April
The case is still being treated as a missing persons inquiry, with Detective Inspector Johnston saying there is no “credible information” pointing in the direction of murder.
On Sunday, about 100 residents gathered for a public wake of Shyanne in Launceston’s City Park.
Launceston’s acting mayor Matthew Garwood spoke with Shyanne’s mother, Bobbi-Lee Ketchell.
Anyone with information about the case should contact Tasmanian police or Crime stoppers.