VIC: Police reopen 21-year-old case of woman's disappearance

AAP General News (Australia)
12-13-2007
VIC: Police reopen 21-year-old case of woman's disappearance

By Greg Roberts

MELBOURNE, Dec 13 AAP - Cold case detectives have reopened an investigation begun over
21 years ago into the disappearance of a Melbourne mother after new information came to
light.

They are also offering a $100,000 reward and possible indemnity from prosecution for
anyone who helps police find those responsible for the disappearance of Marlene McDonald.

Mrs McDonald was estranged from her husband when she disappeared on December 14, 1986
after a night out with friends.

Shortly after two anonymous phone calls to the Truck City Restaurant and Cafe - where
she worked as a waitress - indicated the 36-year-old mother-of-five was dead, said Acting
Senior Sergeant Julian Horan.

"An examination of her house at the time indicated someone forced entry and a struggle,"

he said today.

"She has never been seen or heard from since, she has been described as a dedicated
mother but never contacted her children over 21 years.

"Police believe she met with foul play."

Snr Sgt Horan said police had several suspects.

Detectives are today revisiting witnesses and doorknocking Melbourne's north in the
Wattle Grove area in Reservoir where Mrs McDonald lived and at Truck City in nearby Campbellfield.

Witnesses told police on the evening she disappeared they heard a car start up and
drive erratically down Wattle Grove.

They do not believe Mrs McDonald was driving.

"Our review has heightened our suspicions about her disappearance and we believe it's
worthy of reinvestigation," Snr Sgt Horan said.

"We believe someone in the community knows what happened to her and urge them to call police.

"Marlene's children, family and friends have suffered heartbreak for over 21 years
and we are placing a lot of resources into this investigation for them and to bring those
responsible to justice."

Mrs McDonald's elderly mother, Edie McEntee, told reporters through tears today the
the pain of losing her daughter was "indescribable" and she thought about her every day.

"She was a loving person and you wouldn't find a better mother," she said.

"At the time when we saw what shape the house was in I had an eerie feeling, I thought
'I will never see Marlene again'.

"I want closure. My husband use to say 'Id settle for bones'."

Mrs McDonald's five children lived with their father after her disappearance.

Mrs McEntee said she only re-established contact with them in recent years at her husband's
funeral.

"I blamed the police at the time for not solving it and getting called on to another
case, but they are doing a terrific job now," she said.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

AAP gr/pmu/cjh/mn

KEYWORD: MCDONALD NIGHTLEAD (SUBMITTED PIX AVAILABLE)

2007 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.