Still missing: Last seen in Pyramid Hill on June 20, 2009, Krystal Fraser has now been missing for 13 years. Pictured with her is her mum, Karen.
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contributed
Detectives from the Missing Persons Squad are again appealing for information about the disappearance of Krystal Fraser, who was last seen 13 years ago — on June 20, 2009, in Pyramid Hill.
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Krystal, who was only days away from giving birth, discharged herself from hospital on the night that she went missing, saying that she needed to attend a party in Cohuna.
Investigators have made extensive inquiries that indicate that neither this or any party took place in Cohuna on that night, that could have been attended by Krystal.
Instead, detectives have established that Krystal travelled on a V/Line train from Bendigo to Pyramid Hill Railway station, where she then exited the train about 8.40pm.
Investigations have also revealed Krystal was last seen alive leaving an address in Albert St, Pyramid Hill at about 9.30pm, after visiting an acquaintance.
On the night of her disappearance, Krystal received a 40-second phone call on her mobile phone which was made from a public phone booth outside what was formerly the Leitchville Post Office, in Findlay Ave at 11.59pm.
Police are confident they now know who made this call to Krystal, however, they are continuing to appeal for anyone who may have witnessed someone at the phone box on the night to come forward.
Krystal’s phone last showed activity on a Leitchville phone tower at 2.49am, nearly three hours after she received the call from the phone box, indicating that the phone was in the Leitchville or surrounding area.
Former homicide squad investigator Inspector Wayne Woltsche said he was as invested to find answers as he was 13 years ago, when he was first on the case.
“Krystal was one of the most vulnerable members of our community and her disappearance is nothing short of a tragedy. I am hopeful that the time is right for someone to come forward and tell us what they know,” Insp Woltsche said.
Hoping for closure: This is the telephone box outside what was the then Leitchville post office where Krystal received a call just hours before she disappeared.
Photo by
Cath Grey
Krystal was last seen wearing an orange top, black track suit pants and a camouflaged-patterned baseball cap.
Her mobile phone has never been located.
Although detectives believe Krystal has been murdered due to the amount of time that has passed without any sign of life, investigators remain determined to find out exactly what occurred that night and who is responsible.
Missing Persons Squad Detective Acting Inspector Tony Combridge said police have not given up and were still searching for answers.
“This remains an active and ongoing investigation and we know there are still people, particularly around Pyramid Hill, who have information that could lead to us solving this case,” Det Insp Combridge said.
“While a significant period of time has passed, there is every chance this will work in our favour and that now could be the right time for the right person to come forward to investigators and tell us what they know.”
In 2019, a $1 million reward for information about Krystal’s disappearance was announced and this reward remains on offer today.
This reward of up to $1 million will be paid at the discretion of the Chief Commissioner of Police, for information leading to the apprehension and subsequent conviction of the person or persons responsible for the death of Krystal.
Det Insp Combridge said that it only took one person to come forward and share one minute detail that could end up being a detrimental component to the case.
“All it takes is one call, and if it’s the right call, there is a still a million dollars on offer to someone who is willing to talk. This is undoubtedly a life changing amount of money for anyone, let alone someone in a small country town,” he said.
“It’s a small community and Krystal’s disappearance has had a big impact on everyone in the area, including her family. We want to be able to provide them with answers.”
Anyone with information about the disappearance of Krystal Fraser is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppers.com.au
