MAJOR CRIME & MINE RESCUE RENEW SEARCH FOR KAREN WILLIAMS

Wednesday 24 September 2014

Site one, and day one of the renewed 4 day search for missing teenager Karen Williams. Pictured are Major Crime Detectives with local Mine Rescue Volunteers and bulldozer operators

Major Crime Investigation Branch returned to Coober Pedy on Monday 22 September armed with fresh information on the whereabouts of missing teenager Karen Williams.

With the assistance of the Coober Pedy Mine Rescue Squad, several locations within close proximity to the original search areas were targetted for excavation over 4 days. By the end of day four after clearing the designated mine shafts, sadly nothing was uncovered.

On the third day police and volunteers lower heavy pipes into a mine shaft for suction of debris.

Detective Superintendent Des Bray said, “Two critical witnesses have come forward since we were last in Coober Pedy. The information they have provided is significant to the investigation.”

“In addition we’re grateful that someone has come forward with a large number of historical photos that shows the layout and buildings in the town at the time of Karen’s disappearance. That has helped enormously.”

“These new pieces of information and more calls from the Coober Pedy community has enabled us to establish a number of previously unknown details and that has certainly helped advance the investigation,” he said.

An anthropologist and forensic experts remain on standby and in Adelaide and will go to Coober Pedy if any remains or evidence is recovered.

The 16-year-old was last seen sometime between 5am and 6am on Saturday 4 August, 1990 with her disappearance declared a major crime in October 1990.

A $200,000 reward remains on offer to anyone who can lead police to the discovery of her remains. Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at http://www.sa.crimestoppers.com.au

TRIAL DATE SET FOR MAN ACCUSED OF KAREN WILLIAMS MURDER

Friday 15 August 2014: In a closed court session in Adelaide today,  Nikola Novakovich aged 42 was listed for trial in the Supreme Court for 2 Feb 2015.  

Novakovich was arrested and charged with the 1990 murder of teenager Karen Williams on 7 Nov 2013. 

Karen Williams was last seen alive at Coober Pedy in December 1990 when she left a disco in a car driven by Novakovich in the company of some friends.  Ms Williams was the last to be dropped off.

Novakovich allegedly raped and murdered Ms Williams, before her body was disposed of down a disused mine shaft.

Major Crime detectives and Coober Pedy Mine Rescue Squad will continue the search for the teenagers body.

APPEAL FOR 1990 PHOTOS TO AID KAREN WILLIAMS SEARCH

Thursday 17 July 2014   To the community, past residents and visitors

Police are seeking 1990’s photographs within a 500 metre radius of ‘search area’

Major Crime Dectives and the Coober Pedy Mine Rescue Squad have been working with the community of Coober Pedy to assist in locating the remains of Karen Williams who disappeared in 1990.

More help is needed to bring this case to a close. Detective Supt. Des Bray of Major Crime is appealing to the community, past residents and visitors to search through old photos in case something of relevence to the case was captured around the time.

“We believe Karen’s body was left in the boot of a burnt-out white Ford (or similar) on the edge of town, in the vicinity of Malliotis Blvd and Flat Hill Road at Coober Pedy. We know the white car was found a short distance from the bitumen road and may have been there for some time.”

“Information is leading us to believe that Karen’s body was removed from this car and placed down a mine shaft about 20 metres away.”

“We are appealing to anyone who owned that vehicle, or has knowledge of the car’s exact location at the time, or who may later have collected the vehicle, to contact Police immediately.”

“Identifying the precise location of that vehicle at the time of Karen’s murder will increase the likelihood of locating her remains,” he said.

A $200,000 reward is still on offer to anyone who can lead police to the discovery of her remains”, said Detective Supt. Bray.

Detective Supt. Bray says any photos at all within a 500 metre radius of Flathill & Maliotis could prove helpful.

“People can take photos into Coober Pedy Police Station and leave their name/contact details (photos will be provided to us, we will copy and return them); OR if outside of Coober Pedy, can ring Crimestoppers and provide their details, advising they have photos relevant to the Karen Williams murder case. We will then get all of those reports, make contact and personally collect photos.”

Detective Supt. Des Bray further states,”Since our return from the last Coober Pedy search, information was obtained there was a “closed” shaft in an area searched which was not unearthed when we graded the area last time. There is a need to re-visit that area in the near future to search for that”.

“Since the last visit investigators have continued to source old imagery (which has proved difficult to obtain) for the original search area and there is an alternative site very close by that requires consideration and obtaining old imagery for as well.”

“Once those inquiries are complete Police will make a final assessment of those areas and implement a response.”

“The local Mine Rescue Squad have had discussions with the Council who have donated the use of council equipment for use in the next search. Whilst this is appreciated, the next search phase is not dependent upon this being donated.”

“A date has not yet been set. The time of attendance will be decided to coincide with the outcome of pending inquiries so that when we do attend we can maximise use of resources and do everything possible to find Karen or eliminate “suspect” areas.”

COOBER PEDY SEARCH FOR KAREN WILLIAMS CONTINUES IN HEAT

Wednesday, 27 November 2013 2:02pm

Preparing to widen a narrow mining shaft at the search site are Mine Rescue Squad Frank Novosel and Andy Sheils

With the temperature reaching 40c today, the search for the remains of murder victim Karen Williams continued at Coober Pedy in the State’s Far North with excavation of a new mine shaft.

Detective Sgt Cameron Georg and Supt Des Bray overseeing the Karen Williams search

Major Crime Detectives assisted by SES Mines Rescue officers and local volunteers commenced a search of an additional mine that was located yesterday.

Over time the opal field diggings have altered with new mines added and old ones filled in, however the Major Crime Investigation Branch and the local Coober Pedy volunteers remain committed to retrieving the teenagers remains.

The current search is expected to be finalised today pending anything of interest being located.

HEAVY EQUIPMENT BROUGHT IN FOR KAREN WILLIAMS SEARCH

Tuesday 26 November 2013

Supt Des Bray and Det Paul Ward with Coober Pedy Mine Rescue Squad at the site where Karen Williams remains are believed to be buried. Heavy machinery grades the area uncovering old mine shafts

With temperatures expected to reach 40C this week, Major Crime Detectives and Coober Pedy Mine Rescue volunteers recommenced the search for the missing teenagers remains today using heavy duty equipment.

One initial mine shaft has been searched today and further work is needed to find several other inspection points in the area near Coober Pedy.

Supt Des Bray, officer in charge of the Major Crime Investigation Section has been overseeing the search and understands that even though the first shaft had no results he is confident that the search will continue in numerous shafts over the following days.

Supt Bray continues to praise the hard work of the team on this case and also the State Government for supporting them to bring closure for the family of Karen Williams and the community of Coober Pedy.

 SEARCH FOR KAREN WILLIAMS TO RESUME TUESDAY 26 NOVEMBER

Monday, 25 November 2013 1:22pm
Police will resume their search for the remains of missing teenager Karen Williams in Coober Pedy tomorrow.

The 16-year-old was last seen sometime between 5am and 6am on Saturday 4 August, 1990 with her disappearance declared a major crime in October 1990.

Earlier this month police used ground penetrating radar to examine an area of land, and this week they are returning to the outback town to conduct a further search.

Police are concentrating their efforts on the same area of the town examined in July.

On 7 November police arrested a 42-year-old man in Mt Gambier and charged him with the murder of the teenager.

A $200,000 reward is still on offer to anyone who can lead police to the discovery of her remains.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.sa.crimestoppers.com.au

Search for teenager’s remains continues Nov 2013

Major Crime Detectives have implemented ground penetrating radar equipment in the search for missing teenager Karen Williams

12 November 2013. Following last week’s arrest of a 42 year old former Coober Pedy man in Mount Gambier who was later charged with the 1990 murder of Karen Williams, police will return to Coober Pedy to continue the search for the teenager’s remains.

The 16-year-old was last seen in the town in August 1990 and is believed to have been murdered.

In July this year, as part of the investigation by the SA Police Major Crime Investigation Branch, a number of mine shafts were searched by detectives with the help of SAPOL’s State Tactical Unit as well as local Mines Rescue and SES.

Unfortunately Karen’s remains were not located, however, police have returned to the town this week to resume their search.

Screen imagery that will help find previously disturbed ground, as in mine shafts

Major Crime Detectives flew to the outback town on Monday, accompanied by experts and equipment to survey the area. Monday and Tuesday will see investigators utilising ground penetrating radar to scan and identify possible sites for excavation.

Detective Superintendent Des Bray, Officer in Charge Major Crime Investigation Branch, said police remained confident that Karen would be found.

A $200,000 reward is still on offer to anyone who can lead police to the discovery of Karen Williams’ remains. Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.sa.crimestoppers.com.au

Police make an arrest in Karen Williams murder

Thursday, 7 November 2013 1:31pm

Police today arrested a 42-year-old man for the 1990 murder of teenager Karen Williams.

The man was arrested this afternoon in Mount Gambier by Detectives from SAPOL’s Major Crime Investigation Branch.  He was refused bail and will appear in court tomorrow.

Sixteen-year-old Karen Williams was last seen about 5am on 4 August 1990 in Coober Pedy, in the state’s far north.  Her disappearance was declared a major crime in October of the same year.

At the time more than 115 statements were taken and police enquiries extended to the Northern Territory and New South Wales.  Since her disappearance police have continued to actively investigate the case, following each new piece of evidence in the hope that it would lead to an arrest.

Last year a comprehensive review of the investigation identified a number of new lines of enquiry.

Acting on that new information, in July this year mine shafts at the junction of Flat Hill Road and Malliotis Boulevard, Coober Pedy, were searched by Major Crime detectives with the help of SAPOL’s State Tactical Unit as well as local and SES Mines Rescue.  Unfortunately Karen’s remains were not located, however, police will be returning to the town within weeks to recommence the search.

Announcing today’s arrest Deputy Commissioner Grant Stevens said that despite not yet recovering Karen’s remains, police are confident there is a sufficient evidence to progress this case.

“As much as we would like to find Karen’s remains, especially for the sake of her family, we will take this case forward regardless.

“This arrest is the culmination of the relentless work of all those police involved over the years. 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.

“But often the reality is that to help close historic investigations Police need help from the public.  And so I urge anyone with information  on the State’s unsolved murders to come forward – no matter how small or insignificant you think your information may be.

As this case shows it is never too late and we will take action,” he said.The Major Crime investigation into this murder remains ongoing and police continue to look for a Datsun 180B, registration (SA) SLG-539, which they believe is connected to the case.The Datsun is believed to have been sold or disposed of in 1990 in Adelaide. This vehicle may still be in use and police believe there’s a possibility that important forensic material could still be in the car.Police stress that the number plate may have changed since 1990.

Anyone with information that could assist with the investigation, in particular, information relating to the sale or disposal of the Datsun 180B is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.sa.crimestoppers.com.au

Friday, 30 August 2013 12:07pm

New car linked to Karen Williams disappearance

Detectives investigating the 1990 murder of Coober Pedy teenager Karen William have information that her body was hidden in a car for a number of days prior to being placed down a mine shaft.

Police now need your help to get more information on this car.

Officers from the South Australia Police Major Crime Branch are following very strong lines of inquiry and have recently interviewed people from Sydney, Coober Pedy, Adelaide and Mt Gambier.

Detective Superintendent Des Bray, Officer in Charge Major Crime Investigation Branch, said those interviews have helped gain valuable information that is progressing the investigation.

“We believe Karen’s body was left in the boot of a burnt-out white Ford (or similar) on the edge of town, in the vicinity of Maliotis Road and Flat Hill Road at Coober Pedy.

“We know the white car was found a short distance from the bitumen road and may have been there for some time.  Information is leading us to believe that Karen’s body was removed from this car and placed down a mine shaft about 20 metres away.

“We’re now appealing to anyone who owned that vehicle, or has knowledge of the car’s exactly location at the time, or who may later have collected the vehicle to contact Police immediately.

“Identifying the precise location of that vehicle at the time of Karen’s murder will increase the likelihood of locating her remains,” he said.

Police also want to recover a Datsun 180B, registration (SA) SLG-539.  The Datsun is believed to have been sold or disposed of since 1990 at either Glendambo (approximately 280km north of Pt Augusta) or Coober Pedy.

This vehicle may still be in use and are seeking the public’s assistance to find it, as there’s a possibility that important forensic material could still be in the car.  Police stress that the number plate may have changed since 1990.

A $200,000 reward remains on offer for anyone providing information that leads to the recovery of teenager Karen Williams remains who went missing from Coober Pedy in 1990.

Her disappearance was declared a major crime in October 1990, but despite several appeals and extensive investigations over the years, no-one has yet been arrested for her murder.

The 16-year-old was last seen sometime between 5am and 6am on Saturday 4 August, 1990 in the Datsun 180B.

Anyone with information that could assist with the investigation, in particular, information relating to the sale or disposal of the Datsun 180B is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.sa.crimestoppers.com.au

REWARD FOR INFORMATION ON KAREN WILLIAMS DISAPPEARANCE – COOBER PEDY

Sunday, 25 August 2013 10:43am

The pictures of the Datsun 180B were taken at the time of the initial investigation

Police are reminding the public that a $200,000 reward remains on offer for anyone providing information that leads to the recovery of teenager Karen Williams remains who went missing from Coober Pedy in 1990.

Her disappearance was declared a major crime in October 1990, but despite several appeals and extensive investigations over the years, no-one has yet been arrested for her murder.

The 16-year-old, was last seen sometime between 5am and 6am on Saturday 4 August, 1990 in a Datsun 180B, registration (SA) SLG-539.

The Datsun is believed to have been sold or disposed of since 1990 at either Glendambo (approximately 280km north of Pt Augusta) or Coober Pedy.

Police believe this vehicle may still be in use and are seeking the public’s assistance to find it, as there’s a possibility that important forensic material could still be in the car.  Police stress that the numberplate may of changed since 1990.

The investigation continues to explore several lines of enquiry – most recently with police, in July 2013, using aerial photos and satellite images dating back to the 1980’s to narrow down a possible location of Karen’s remains in Coober Pedy.

Aerial photographs show where police believe Karen’s remains are located

Police, with the assistance of Mine Rescue/SES personnel, excavated four mine shafts at the junction of Malliotis Boulevard and Flat Hill Road in the outback township.

While the search was unsuccessful, investigators remain confident Karen’s remains are in one of these mine shafts in this area.

Detective Superintendent Des Bray, Officer in Charge Major Crime Investigation Branch, said “We are confident Karen’s remains are down one of these mine shafts.   “We also know there are people with precise knowledge about the location of her body and I encourage those people to come forward and assist the police.

“Those involved in this murder should take no comfort from the fact we have not yet located the body, and there are a number of cases in this State where we have arrested and convicted offenders for murder in the absence of a body.”

As part of their investigation Major Crime Detectives have spoken to persons of interest in Sydney, Coober Pedy and more particularly, Mt Gambier and other locations in the SA’s south-east.

Anyone with information that could assist with the investigation, in particular, information relating to the sale or disposal of the Datsun 180B is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.sa.crimestoppers.com.au

Wednesday, 31 July 2013 5:52pm

Search for Karen Williams enters new phase

Since police arrived in Coober Pedy a week ago to commence searching for the remains of Karen Williams, about 35 people have come forward with information in relation to the cold case, with seven of these considered positive lines of inquiry.

Police and Rescue workers pack up current search but remain confident that they will find Karen Williams at or near this location

Major Crime detectives now plan to finalise the current search for Karen’s remains and return to Adelaide to assess the new information and plan for the next phase of the investigation.

Police and volunteer searchers have searched a number of mine shafts on a property and on public land adjacent to the property on the outskirts of Coober Pedy in the past week, to no avail.  Detective Superintendent Des Bray, Officer in Charge, Major Crime Investigation Branch remains optimistic and says, “I firmly believe that Karen is located in close proximity to where we have been searching.”

Anyone with information that may assist the investigation into this 23-year-old mystery is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 – no matter how small or insignificant you may think the information.

Wednesday, 31 July 2013 9:25am

Helpful information received as search for Karen Williams continues
Major Crime detectives received seven telephone calls last night from people willing to provide information to assist them with the search for missing Coober Pedy teenager Karen Williams.

Investigators manned the phones at the Coober Pedy police station from 6pm to 7.30pm and Detective Superintendent Des Bray, Officer in Charge Major Crime Investigation Branch described the information provided as helpful.

“We have had two or three people speak to us on site during the search and with the calls to Crime Stoppers, we have now had about 30 offers of information.  Given the fact that this is a 23 year old murder case, this result is pleasing and I thank those who contacted police.”

Tuesday, 30 July 2013 3:16pm

Major Crime to man Williams hotline

Police officers from the SA Police Major Crime Investigation Branch are appealing to anyone with information about the location of the body of a missing teenager to phone the Coober Pedy Police Station tonight.

Forensic, Police, Mine Rescue Volunteers and others search shafts and their debris in the hope of finding the body of 16 year old Karen Williams

With the assistance of SES Coober Pedy Mine Rescue volunteers, police have been searching mine shafts for the remains of 16-year-old Karen Williams, who was last seen in Coober Pedy in August 1990.

Her disappearance was officially declared a Major Crime in October 1990, but despite several appeals and extensive investigations over the years, no-one has yet been arrested for her murder.

Last year a $200,000 reward was offered for information which leads to an arrest in the case.

Detective Superintendent Des Bray, Officer in Charge Major Crime Investigation Branch, urged anyone with information about the case to call investigators tonight between 6pm and 7.30pm on 8672 5056.

“We know there are people with precise knowledge about the location of Karen’s body,” he said. “I encourage those people to come forward and assist the police.”

A total of four mines have been excavated since the search began on 24 July.

Aerial photos and satellite images dating back to the 1980’s have been reviewed in conjunction with Mine Rescue personnel.

Supt Bray said that several other areas of interest are still to be explored.

“Those involved in this murder should take no comfort from the fact we have not yet located the body, and there are a number of cases in this State where we have arrested and convicted offenders for murder in the absence of a body,” he said.

Monday, 29 July 2013 11:36am

Police and Coober Pedy Mine Rescue volunteers uncover two more shafts at location on Monday – seen here entering one of the shafts

Two mines uncovered at Coober Pedy

The search for the remains of Karen Williams, believed to be located in a disused mine shaft on a property in the outback mining town of Coober Pedy, resumed this morning.  Two additional mine shafts have been uncovered on the same property where searchers focused their efforts last week.

Police brought in a front end loader and grader to skim the surface of a section of the property and uncovered evidence of two mines.  Upon further examination, it became clear these were not exploratory mines, but rather defined mine shafts 80cm in diameter and up to 60 feet deep.

Excavations on the two mines began this morning, using the same methods utilised last week.
The investigation into the disappearance of Karen Williams, who was 16-years-old when she disappeared from Coober Pedy in August 1990, continues and police ask anyone with information, not matter how insignificant it may seem, to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Police are particularly interested if anyone saw a red or orange Datsun 180B in the vicinity of Tomcat Road and Oodnadatta Road in the early hours of August 4, 1990.  A $200,000 reward for information has been offered.

Friday, 26 July 2013 3:27pm

Coober Pedy Mine Rescue Squad Volunteers and Police conclude day 3 of the search for Karen Williams

At about 2.20pm today, police and the Coober Pedy Mine Rescue Squad reached the bottom of the first mine shaft in the search for the remains of Karen Williams.  No items of relevance were found, but police have begun digging the second mine, and remain confident she will be found.

Detective Superintendent Des Bray said were still confident they would successfully conclude their search for the missing teenager at the current location.

The search of the first mine shaft was concluded after reaching the bottom at around 60ft and finding nothing of interest

“We originally thought the shaft would be about 35 feet but obviously it was much deeper, but that is not a negative thing.  We’ve prioritised the shafts and we thought this was the shaft we should do first but we’ll work through them until we get a result.”

“We are putting all of our efforts into excavating quickly and as safely as we can and we remain optimistic that we will find Karen at this location.”

“The Coober Pedy Mine Rescue Squad have been excellent to work with and have made tremendous sacrifices to be here and do this. They’ve done a tremendous job and without them we wouldn’t be in the position we are in.”

“They are working in a very confined space at depths in very cramped conditions – it’s hard work. Those guys are working really, really hard for us and doing their best to make sure we get a good result and we think it’s a terrific effort they’ve all put in.”

Detective Superintendent Bray said, “Overall we are very happy with how the investigation is going and independent of what we are doing here, we have no doubt that we will bring this investigation to a satisfactory conclusion in the near future.

Karen, who was 16-years-old at the time, disappeared from her home town of Coober Pedy in the early hours of 4 August 1990.

Although Crime Stoppers have received numerous calls, especially since the digging began on Wednesday, police continue to encourage anyone with information about Karen’s disappearance to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Thursday, 25 July 2013 6:29pm

Scene closed down until first light tomorrow – Karen Williams

Coober Pedy Mine Rescue Squad implement an opal mining blower to assist police with extracting soil from a mine shaft in the search for missing teenager Karen Williams

Operations have ceased for the day in relation to the search for the body of Karen Williams.  Karen, who was 16-years-old at the time of her disappearance, was last seen in Coober Pedy in August 1990.

Both police and the media have finished operations at the scene.

The blower, which has helped speed up the digging of the mine shaft, has been a very useful tool.

Although it has been a hard day’s work for everyone, police with the assistance of the Coober Pedy Mine Rescue Squad volunteers, will be back and ready to resume the search in the morning.

Anyone with information regarding the disappearance of Karen is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.sa.crimestoppers.com.au

Crimestoppers received 15 calls after day one of the search went to air via the media in attendance.

Thursday, 25 July 2013 9:52am

Police resume search for the body of Karen Williams

Police continue the search today for the body of Karen Williams who disappeared from her home town in Coober Pedy in August 1990.

This is a google map of the area police are searching, in particular a mine shaft inside the marking on the map.

The photo depicts fencing, a shed and other scrap metal, however back in 1990, none of these structures or items were there at the time.

Wednesday, 24 July 2013 6:15pm

Search for the body of Karen Williams continues

Police will resume their search tomorrow in the hope of finding the body of Karen Williams who disappeared from the town of Coober Pedy in August 1990.

Police, with the assistance of members of the Coober Pedy Mine Rescue, will continue to dig a mine shaft located on the outskirts of the town which police believe may lead them to the whereabouts of Ms Williams.

Anyone with information about her disappearance is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.sa.crimestoppers.com.au

Wednesday, 24 July 2013 12:51pm

Police begin search for body in a 20-year-old murder mystery

Mine Rescue workers tip dirt from shaft

Police begin search for body in a 20-year-old murder mystery. Superintendent Des Bray spoke to SA Police News about the search in Coober Pedy.

The audio was recorded this afternoon from the site in Coober Pedy where the search continues. http://www.sapolicenews.com.au/component/content/article/4-news/15665-police-begin-search-for-body-in-a-20-year-old-murder-mystery-.html

Police have today begun a search in Coober Pedy for the body of Karen Williams who disappeared from the town in August 1990.

The case was officially declared a Major Crime in October 1990, but despite several appeals and extensive investigations over the years no-one has yet been arrested for her murder.

However, Major Crime detectives recently received information that may lead to the whereabouts of Ms Williams body – and hopefully the person responsible for her murder.

The 16-year-old disappeared near Dawes Street and Medway Drive, Coober Pedy on Saturday, 4 August 1990 between 5am and 6am.

She had had been at the Opal Inn, Coober Pedy on the evening of Friday, 3 August 1990 and into the early hours of Saturday, 4 August.

At about 3am, Ms Williams left the Opal Inn with a number of friends and went to Sergio’s Restaurant on Hutchinson Street.

Sometime around 5am, she left the restaurant with three friends and they were all driven to the corner of Medway Drive and Lehman Place by a young local man.

Ms Williams’ friends got out of the vehicle there and went to a nearby property, while the local man drove her a short distance further to Dawes Street, where she was allegedly dropped off. Ms Williams has not been seen since.

Last year a $200,000 reward was offered for information which leads to an arrest in the case.

Police are particularly interested if anyone saw a red or orange Datsun 180B in the vicinity of Tomcat Road and Oodnadatta Road in the early hours of August 4.

On Monday night this crime featured on the Channel 10 crime show “Wanted”.   Five calls to Crime Stoppers were made after this story was broadcast.  Police will closely examine each of the calls and the information provided.

If you know anything about this crime it’s not too late to come forward. Please call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or report online at www.sa.crimestoppers.com.au if you can help.

Monday, 22 July 2013 2:25pm

Disappearance of teen in Coober Pedy to feature on ‘Wanted’

The disappearance of a 16-year-old girl from Coober Pedy nearly 23 years ago will feature tonight on Channel 10’s new crime show “Wanted”.

Please tune in at 8.30pm to see if you have any information could help resolve this Major Crime.

Karen Michelle Williams disappeared from near Dawes Street and Medway Drive, Coober Pedy on Saturday, 4 August 1990 between 5am and 6am.

She had had been at the Opal Inn, Coober Pedy on the evening of Friday, 3 August 1990 and into the early hours of Saturday, 4 August.

At about 3am, Karen left the Opal Inn with a number of friends and went to Sergio’s Restaurant on Hutchinson Street.

Sometime around 5am, Karen left the restaurant with three friends and they were all driven to the corner of Medway Drive and Lehman Place by a young local man.

Karen’s friends got out of the vehicle there and went to a nearby property, while the local man drove Karen a short distance further to Dawes Street, where she was allegedly dropped off. Karen has not been seen since.

The case was officially declared a Major Crime in October 1990 and last year a $200,000 reward was offered for information which leads to an arrest in the case.

Police are particularly interested if anyone saw a red or orange Datsun 180B in the vicinity of Tomcat Road and Oodnadatta Road in the early hours of August 4.

If you know anything about this crime it’s not too late to come forward. Please call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or report online at www.sa.crimestoppers.com.au if you can help.

Tuesday, 9 July 2013 2:24pm

Unsolved case remains open – Karen Williams

Today’s announcement of a $200,000 reward for information about the unsolved murder of Emma Jade Pawelski in 2005, also highlights a number of other unsolved cases.

$200,000 REWARD FOR INFORMATION ON KAREN WILLIAMS WHEREABOUTS
Posted on August 19, 2012  here

These cases remain open on major crime investigation books, and can also attract rewards of $200,000 for any information that leads to the apprehension and conviction of the person or people responsible.

A case is never closed until solved and the appeal for new information remains constant.

If anyone has any information about murdered or missing people presumed murdered, please contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report online at www.sa.crimestoppers.com.au