A renewed search for a Mooroolbark teenager, who was last seen in the Knox area, has been opened by Victoria Police 22 years after her disappearance.
Cherie Westell went missing just days before her 16th birthday on Tuesday 12 December 2000 in Wantirna South.
Now, detectives from the Missing Persons Squad are hopeful an announcement of a $1 million reward will assist them in solving the suspicious disappearance.
“22 years ago, a young teenage girl called her family to let them know she was on her way home, and that was the last time they ever spoke to her. It is every family’s worst nightmare,” Missing Persons Squad Detective Acting Inspector Tony Combridge said.
Cherie was dropped off at Knox Dental Group at about 12pm for a dentist appointment where she attended the dentist and left the practice at around 12.30pm.
At 1.58pm, Cherie telephoned home from a public telephone box situated on the corner of Selkirk Avenue and Wantirna Road, approximately five kilometres from the dentist to let them know she would be catching a Ringwood bound train.
That was the last known contact anyone had with her.
“Cherie’s family and friends were convinced that Cherie did not go missing of her own accord,” Cherie’s foster mother Frances said in a statement.
“It was one week before her birthday and two weeks before Christmas. Cherie had made Christmas cards for her family and friends; had a list of presents we were going to buy together; she did not access her bank account; did not take any extra clothes or personal belongings; and did not make contact with any of her family or friends.
“There are at least two people who know what happened to Cherie. One is Cherie herself, and the other is the person or persons involved in her disappearance.”
Cherie was five years old when was put into the care of Frances and her family in July 1990, alongside her siblings.
“[She was] a very withdrawn and sad little girl. For the next nine years, I watched Cherie develop into a young woman with many interests – horse riding, sport, music and poetry – she loved the works of the singer, Jewel,” Frances said.
“Cherie was stubborn, feisty, kind and valued her family and friends. She could be very complex and frustrating and was at a stage in her life where she often struggled with who she was and where her future lay.”
Frances said however, she was excited by the prospect of studying at Swinburne TAFE and “one of her ambitions was to become a member of Victoria Police like her foster sister.”
The mystery of what happened to Cherie still remains and Frances cherishes the photographs, letters, cards and Cherie’s personal belongings.
“The emotions we felt are common to most of us when tragedy strikes – disbelief, confusion, fear, anger, guilt, grief and the nightmares about what may have happened to someone we love.
“Even after almost 22 years I still look for Cherie on the street, in the shopping centres and wonder what she would look like now.”
Dect A/Inspector Combridge said police are hopeful anyone with any new information will come forward to help provide answers to Cherie’s family.
“Those responsible for Cherie’s disappearance have had to live with this secret for over two decades. 22 years is a very long time to be looking over your shoulder,” he said.
“After so long, friendships falter and allegiances change. There may be people out there who are now in a position to come forward and speak to police to provide answers for Cherie’s loved ones.”
Urging anyone with information, big or small, to report it to police, even via an anonymous Crime Stoppers report.
“Now is the time to do the right thing and come forward. Any information received by police will be investigated thoroughly, and we will continue to search for the truth of what happened to Cherie to provide those answers to her loved ones and the community.”
As Cherie was a ward of the state at the time, a missing persons report was delayed by six days because Frances was not a biological family member meaning any trace of Cherie was unable to be located when police were able to commence an investigation.
Police suspect foul play was involved and the coroner declared Cherie was most likely deceased in 2003.
“There will never be closure for Cherie’s family or friends, but there could be answers if her disappearance was solved, and justice if a perpetrator was charged and punished,” Frances said.
“All children deserve a voice, someone who is willing to speak for them – in particular the most vulnerable in society – these include children, who, through no fault of their own, become wards of the state.
“Cherie is missed greatly, is in our thoughts and will always be deeply loved.”
Dect A/Inspector Combridge said for anyone concerned about a missing person, don’t hesitate to report it to police if there is concern for their wellbeing.
“You don’t have to wait 24 hours to report someone missing. You can report someone as missing to your local police where there are fears for the person’s welfare and safety, and their whereabouts are unknown,” he said.
The $1 million reward will be issued at the discretion of the Chief Commissioner of Police. Any information given will be treated confidential and may be given at any time to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
