A 72-year-old man has been extradited to Queensland for the alleged murder of his former partner, initially ruled a suicide in 1997
Mooloolaba: A 72-year-old man is back in Queensland after being extradited for a murder that happened nearly 28 years ago. Keith Lees was arrested in Dural, Sydney, last week after dodging the law for about 18 months.
He’s facing charges for the death of Meaghan Rose, who was found at Point Cartwright Cliffs back in July 1997. At first, they thought it was a suicide, but detectives reopened the case in 2022, offering a hefty reward for info.
After fleeing Victoria when police came knocking, Lees was believed to have been hiding out in the Northern Territory before making his way to Sydney under a fake name. He was finally caught there, thanks to some sharp-eyed folks who recognized him from the news.
Detective Senior Sergeant Tara Kentwell mentioned that Lees got help from various groups while on the run, but no one seemed to suspect he was hiding anything. His former partner’s mother is currently in palliative care, and the family is still seeking justice.
Police are urging anyone with information to step forward, emphasizing that it’s never too late to help. They believe there are still people out there who know something crucial about the case.
Lees had been on the run since mid-2023 when detectives tried to talk to him in Victoria. He was spotted on CCTV after buying new clothes and was last seen at a train station in Shepparton.
He had been living with Rose, who was nearly 20 years younger than him, and his son on the Sunshine Coast after moving from Victoria. He’s set to appear in Brisbane magistrates court soon.
