Police probe story tip-off

By Kath Gannaway
THE Cold Case Taskforce of Victoria Police has visited Healesville following the Mail’s story (20 March) on the disappearance of Healesville teenager Suzi Lawrance 20 years ago.
Cold Case detective Mark Thomas spoke with a local woman named Suzanne who, like Suzi, walks with a limp, and is about the same age.
The visit followed a call to Crime Stoppers as a result of the story, but Det Thomas said after speaking to the woman they have discounted any connection.
Suzi’s mother, Liz Westwood, now living in Warburton, has not heard from her daughter since she dropped her off at a Saturday night party at Healesville Memorial Hall on 7 February 1987. She was nearly 17.
Although she was seen in Healesville and Yarra Glen the next day, as far as anyone knows she has never been heard from since.
Mrs Westwood, who has worked with other families of missing children over the years, says she contacted the Missing Persons Unit in February and felt reassured when she was told the Cold Case Unit had been given her daughter’s case.
Det Thomas said Suzi’s disappearance has always been an active case and is one of a number they are reviewing.
“People might have thought things weren’t important but over a period of time they may realise this might be important.
“The article has created interest and people are talking about it so any other small snippet which comes to light, we’d like to hear about it,” he said.
“There are people who saw Suzi who we haven’t been able to identify and if anybody remembers seeing her with anyone we would like to know.”
He said investigations looked at both the possibility of foul play and that Suzi simply doesn’t want to be found.
“Disappearing at that age, it would be unusual (not to make contact) but back in those days it may have been easier to go missing if you wanted to,” Det Thomas said.
“There were a number of confirmed and unconfirmed sightings after she was seen at the party and it was treated initially that she would return of her own accord.
“The fact that she hasn’t leaves us wondering what happened to her.”
While there is no evidence to say otherwise, Mrs Westwood holds onto the hope that Suzi is alive.
“I’ve seen children who come back and they say the longer you are away the harder it is to return,” she said.
“In my heart I still feel she could have just met up with someone nice and be living her life. She could be a mum herself and would be a completely different person.”
Anyone with information is asked to phone Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.