Police are closing in.
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Over 40 years ago a young girl disappeared never to be seen again in a case which still haunts our community today.
Yet police, the family and the community have not given up hope of finding the person responsible.
Police believe they have now identified a suspect responsible for the disappearance of a three-year-old Cheryl Grimmer from a shower block near the Fairy Meadow Beach on January 12, 1970.
Over the years, the Illawarra Mercury has regularly revisited this tragic tale.
Yet this is the most significant development.
Police believe the suspect was a teenager at the time and would be in his 60s now.
He is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 180cm, with a medium build, brown hair, blue eyes and fair complexion.
At the time, it is believed he was aged between 16 and 17, and would now be aged in his early 60s.
Police believe the man is still alive.
Speaking to the media on Monday, Wollongong Local Area Command Crime Manager Detective Inspector Brad Ainsworth described it as a crime that “stunned the Illawarra”.
“Cheryl’s dad, Vince, a former soldier, and her mother, Carole, died never knowing what happened to their daughter,’’ Det Insp Ainsworth said.
“We would dearly love to provide answers to Steve and his family, solve this matter for the people of the Illawarra, and ultimately provide Cheryl with some dignity in death,”
THANK YOU HENDO
Today we have to say thank you to our regular weekly columnist Craig Henderson.
Hendo’s column last week was his last with us for a little while as he leaves to do some other projects.
We thank Hendo for his contributions, particularly over the past 12 months where he has featured across a number of our Australian Community Media publications right across the South Coast.
It has been featured in each Wednesday edition of the Illawarra Mercury.
As a columnist he has not been afraid to shirk a topic, prepared to put his beliefs on the line and of course he has delivered each week in his own particular style.
Thanks again Hendo and best of luck with your new adventures.
