Search for Remains of Victorian Mother Missing for 11 Years: Updates and Progress
Police are conducting a search near a town outside of Geelong for Lorrin Whitehead, a Victorian mother who has been missing since 2013. The investigation began this morning in Shelford, located about 40 kilometers from Geelong, following a tip that her remains might be in the area. Whitehead, a mother of five, was last seen on February 8, 2013, in Bannockburn, where she resided.
Renewed Appeal for Information
Authorities have described Whitehead’s disappearance as “extremely out of character” and “extremely concerning.” Witnesses reported seeing her entering a red 4WD vehicle in Bannockburn’s CBD on the day she went missing, with the vehicle later found parked in front of her house despite not belonging to her. The last confirmed sighting of Whitehead was captured on CCTV at a local supermarket at 4:50 PM, just 10 minutes after she left her residence.
Current Investigations
Moorabool Crime Investigation Unit Detective Sergeant Steve Murphy highlighted the lack of confirmed sightings since 2013 and the untouched status of Whitehead’s bank accounts. Despite this, authorities continue to investigate all leads, including the recent tip about potential human remains. Detectives are reaching out to individuals who were acquainted with Whitehead in an effort to gather more information.
Appeal for Information
Authorities are urging anyone with information about Whitehead’s disappearance to come forward. They have re-released photos and a digital image illustrating how Whitehead might look today. Detective Sergeant Murphy emphasized the importance of community assistance in solving this case, stating that someone who was previously hesitant to speak with police may now feel ready to come forward.
Whitehead is described as 170 centimeters tall, with a medium build, brown eyes, and brown hair. She was last seen wearing black pants and a light-colored shirt with a collar. Her oldest daughter, Amelia, expressed the ongoing pain and uncertainty surrounding her mother’s disappearance, highlighting the impact on their family.