Cold Case Homicide Squad detectives investigating the disappearance and suspected murder of 18-year-old Sarah Spiers in 1996 are appealing for public assistance to locate a vehicle of interest.
Detective Superintendent Rod Wilde from the Special Crime Division said despite the significant passage of time it was still possible the vehicle could assist the investigation.
“It is a new line of inquiry we’d like to finalise,” he said.
“We are aware this car was deregistered in 2008, but from that time onwards it is unclear what happened to it.
“It may have been wrecked or abandoned, or could still be in use on a rural property.”
The vehicle is a white 1992 Toyota Camry Station Wagon similar to the one pictured.
The car’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) was 6T172SV2109318479.
“Even if the vehicle is in pieces we would like the opportunity to examine it,” Detective Superintendent Wilde said.
Sarah’s father, Don Spiers, urged anyone with information about the car to come forward.
“We have been kept informed by the police on the status of the investigation,” he said.
“We do not want to comment publicly about today’s appeal, apart from urging anyone who knows anything about this car, or where it might be, to please contact the police.”
Ms Spiers disappeared after a night out with friends in Claremont on Friday, January 26, 1996.
She telephoned for a taxi from a phone box near the corner of Stirling Road and Stirling Highway just after 2am on the Saturday morning (January 27, 1996) but when the taxi arrived a short time later she was nowhere to be seen.
Her body has never been found.
Anyone who has any information about the VOI is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at www.crimestopperswa.com.au.
Reports to Crime Stoppers can remain anonymous.