A Queensland coroner has ruled that Lesley Trotter, a 78-year-old retired teacher from Toowong, is deceased, but the cause of her death remains undetermined.
Trotter was reported missing on March 28, 2023, after she vanished without a trace from her home.
Her mobile phone, wallet and car were found at her residence, leading police to suspect foul play.
Authorities believed she was killed that night, with her remains potentially hidden in a wheelie bin.
The bin in question was later collected and sent to landfill, prompting an extensive search by police and the Australian Defence Force.
Over 1000 tonnes of rubbish were sifted at Swanbank tip near Ipswich, but despite these efforts, no trace of Trotter’s body was found. The search was suspended in May 2023.
Now, nearly two years later, Queensland Coroner Donald MacKenzie has concluded that Trotter is deceased, but the cause of death cannot be determined.
Police also considered the possibility that Trotter may have accidentally fallen into a bin, as she was known to sort through refuse for recyclables.
While the family has been informed of the findings, no further information will be released at this time, leaving the case an unresolved mystery.
POLICE OFFICER CHARGED OVER ALLEGED STEALING
A 38-year-old male senior constable from the Operations Support Command has been issued a notice to appear in relation to the alleged stealing of goods while off duty.
The member has been charged with five counts of unauthorised dealing with shop goods.
He has been suspended from the Queensland Police Service and is expected to appear in the Ipswich Magistrates Court on March 7.
