Thread: Louise Bell murder suspect arrested

SA Police News
about an hour ago near Adelaide
Police have arrested a 65-year-old man for the 1983 murder of school girl Louise Bell.
The man was arrested this morning in Port Lincoln by Detectives from SAPOL’s Major Crime Investigation Branch.
Ten-year-old Louise Bell was last seen when she went to bed on 4 January 1983 at her Meadow Way, Hackham West home. At some point during the night she was abducted from her bedroom.
Her disappearance was declared a major crime.
As part of the investigation, more than 550 statements have been taken and police have conducted extensive searches to locate Louise’s remains. Despite these searches, Louise’s remains have not been located.
Over a period of about two years, a comprehensive review of the investigation has identified a number of new lines of enquiry.
Announcing today’s arrest Deputy Commissioner Grant Stevens said: “This arrest is the culmination of the relentless work of all those police involved over the years combined with the dedicated efforts of Forensic Science SA personnel. Murder investigations never close and police do follow up every line of enquiry in the hope that each case is solved and the justice process completed.
“Police have had on-going contact with the Bell family during the past 30 years and continue that contact today. Louise’s family remain devastated by her disappearance and remain hopeful that her remains will, one day, be found.
“Police will continue to work hard to meet this expectation. As this case shows it is never too late and police will take action whenever possible,” he said.
The man will appear in the Port Lincoln Magistrates’ Court this afternoon via video link with Adelaide Magistrates Court.
Anyone with information that they think could assist with the investigation should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at Home | CSA South Australia


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Originally Posted by bob10

Just read that they were sure this bloke did it, but needed unquestionable proof, which was provided by a DNA lab in the Netherlands. Phennig was a schoolteacher, how many other children may have met the same fate as Louise Bell. Hats off to the S.A. Police for their tenacity. Bob

This is the second 'cold case' in recent weeks where an arrest has been made, both are without a 'body'.

Karen WILLIAMS was a nice young girl studying at COOBER PEDY and went missing whilst I was stationed there. We have always suspected this individual but not had sufficient proof for it to be progressed...
Finally someone has added bits to the jigsaw..

Karen WILLIAMS

Karen Williams murder: Man arrested over teenager's SA outback disappearance in 1990 - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)

Karen Williams murder accused Nikola Novakovich faces court - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)