Vic: Police search lake for Membrey s body

AAP General News (Australia)
08-29-2000
Vic: Police search lake for Membrey s body

Victoria Police are today searching a lake in Melbourne's east in a bid to solve a
six-year-old missing person's case.

Homicide Squad chief, Inspector BRIAN RIX, said a call to Crimestoppers had prompted
a search for the body of 22-year-old ELISABETH (Elisabeth) MEMBREY in Ringwood Lake.

Ms MEMBREY reportedly disappeared after leaving work at the Manhattan Hotel at Ringwood
shortly before midnight on December 6, 1994.

The circumstances surrounding her disappearance are unclear but earlier this month
Victorian Coroner JACINTA HEFFEY found it was likely Ms MEMBREY was murdered by somebody
known to her.

Police today appealed to the man who called Crimestoppers on August 16 to help them
solve the case.

Inspector RIX says police are eager for the caller to come forward because they believe
he has information vital to the case.

Inspector RIX told Radio 3AW Ringwood Lake was included in the initial investigation
and the lake has been drained to some extent since then.

Police are now conducting an intensive search of the area, concentrating on the deepest
part of the lake.

According to Inspector RIX, Ms MEMBREY'S parents were at the lake to witness the search.

A $100,000 reward is on offer for information leading the case being solved.

AAP RTV st/jlw

KEYWORD: MEMBREY (MELBOURNE)

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