50 years since Keren Rowland reported missing
Today marks 50 years since Keren Rowland’s family reported her missing in Canberra.
There was a huge police and public search for the 20-year-old before she was found dead in the Fairbairn pine plantation in May, 1971.
Detective Acting Inspector Mark Steel said police would continue to search for answers for Keren’s family.
“We feel a mixture of disappointment and determination as we review Keren’s case files,” Detective Acting Inspector Steel said.
“Despite a thorough investigation for its time and a list of potential suspects, no one has been charged with her murder.
“It’s extremely distressing that Keren’s family have had to live with her murder remaining unsolved for 50 years but we’re determined to make sure they find out what happened.”
Keren disappeared on 26 February 1971, the night of the Royal Canberra Show. Keren had travelled to Civic to pick up her sister and go to The Statesman Hotel; however, it was decided that her sister would get a lift with her fiancé and Keren would follow them, alone, in her own car.
Keren was reported missing to ACT Police by family members about midnight that night after she didn’t arrive home.
Her vehicle, a white Mini Morris 850 sedan, was later located on Parkes Way, Campbell, with no petrol in the tank.
In December last year, detectives searched an area in the Fairbairn pine plantation where Keren was found dead.
“Technology and avenues of enquiry available to detectives today are very different to what was available in the 1970s, so we are looking at new opportunities to determine what happened,” Detective Acting Inspector Steel said.
“There is the potential someone in the community knows what happened to Keren. If you know anything, please talk to us.
“Recent coverage about Keren has led to more people approaching police with information, one as recently as last week.
“We’re extremely thankful witnesses are coming forward, and it shows that some people take some time to share what they know and even the smallest piece of information is important for our investigation.
“ACT Policing remains committed to finding answers for Keren’s heartbroken family”
Anyone with information that could assist police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website. Please quote reference 3290689. Information can be provided anonymously.
Media enquiries
Police Media — (02) 5126 9070, act-police-media@afp.gov.au