$100,000 reward for cold case

Kathleen Harris, 15, was last seen at her home by friend Clinton Hanlon about 9pm on May 31, 1999.

She had planned to meet with friends the following day but never arrived and was reported missing by her father and Mr Hanlon.

Mr Hanlon was a member of the Rebels outlaw motorcycle gang and Kathleen’s home adjoined the clubhouse.

Police believe Kathleen may have been murdered, but despite years of investigations, no trace of her has been found.

Her personal belongings, including her purse and keys, were left in her home, and family and friends have not heard from her since she went missing.

Authorities now hope a $100,000 reward will lead to someone coming forward with new information.

The money will only be paid for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or people responsible for Kathleen’s suspected murder.

Shoalhaven Local Area Commander, Superintendent Joe Cassar, said the teen’s disappearance was ‘‘completely out of character’’.

‘‘Kathleen had been in Australia since 1995 since moving here with her father from her native Costa Rica, but she had always kept in close contact with her relatives and friends back home,’’ she said.

‘‘No-one has been able to shed any light on why she would disappear without a trace, and that’s why we believe she may have met with foul play.’’

Supt Cassar said a renewed appeal for information three years ago had led to the forensic examination of a vehicle.

‘‘That certainly remains a line of inquiry, but what we really need to move forward in this case is further information from the public,’’ he said.

Kathleen was 160-170cm tall, with a slim build, brown to blonde collar-length hair and an olive complexion.

She was last seen wearing brown corduroy jeans, a white long-sleeved top and a pair of brown strap-up boots.

Anyone with information about Kathleen’s disappearance is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Information can be provided anonymously.