Victoria Police are appealing for assistance in identifying male skeletal remains found on 18 March 2006 in Ferny Creek, near Mount Erin Road and Janesdall Avenue.
After exhausting all avenues of identification, including DNA and dental records, the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine (VIFM) have developed a facial reconstruction based on a CT scan of the skull.
By releasing the recently constructed facial reconstruction for the first time, police are hopeful a member of the community may recognise the person or have information that will help lead to the identification of the remains.
A forensic anthropologist examined the remains on 22 and 23 March 2006, concluding the deceased was a Caucasian male aged between 23 and 27 and approximately 167 to 180cm in height.
Several items of clothing were discovered with the remains; including the remnants of a purple scarf, pants and shoes.
However the exhibits were severely decayed, and no other items of identification were located.
On 16 March 2012, the Coroner delivered a finding which determined the male had died due to an unknown cause, sometime between February 1999 and December 2000.
Yarra Ranges Crime Investigation Unit Leading Senior Constable Danielle Fleming said when a loved one goes missing, “family and friends are thrust into an unimaginably emotional and frightening situation”.
“With no DNA match or identifying features on the remains discovered in Ferny Creek, sadly we have been unable to provide the family and friends of the deceased closure,” Constable Fleming said.
“By exploring facial reconstruction with the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine, we are hoping a member of the community will come forward with information that may help identify the remains.”
Once all investigative avenues have been exhausted, and where possible, police will look to work with partner agencies when remains cannot be identified.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or lodge a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.gov.au.
