Forensic police search the home in West Perth this morning. Photo: WA Police
Camera IconForensic police search the home in West Perth this morning. Photo: WA Police Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Home searched as cold case detectives investigate suspected murder

Staff Writer, with AAPEastern Reporter

THE investigation into the suspected murder of a 19-year-old woman in Perth 20 years ago has led police to a house they had previously searched where forensics officers are now digging up the backyard.

Mother-of-two Lisa Jane Brown, who was a sex worker, was last seen in Highgate in the early hours of November 10, 1998.

Her boyfriend told police that she walked down Brisbane Street and turned into Palmerston Street when she parted company with him.

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Lesa Brittain of the Cold Case Serious Crime Squad said Ms Brown was last seen in Lake Street, Northbridge.

Police are now excavating the rear of a house on Carr Street in West Perth, where they searched inside in 1999.

Cold Case Serious Crime Squad detectives are seen excavating the rear of a house on Carr Street in West Perth.
Camera IconCold Case Serious Crime Squad detectives are seen excavating the rear of a house on Carr Street in West Perth. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Detective Inspector Brittain said they were looking for any items of interest, not revealing whether they believed her remains were there.

“I can’t elaborate any further on that at this stage,” she told reporters on Tuesday.

Lisa Brown.
Camera IconLisa Brown. Credit: Supplied/Rachel Fenner

She stressed the current occupants of the property, where children’s play equipment sits in the front yard behind a picket fence, did not know the missing woman and were not connected to the investigation.

The occupants of the house at the time of Ms Brown’s disappearance had “an association” with her, Det Insp Brittain said.

A reward of up to $250,000 that was offered for information about the case in 2017 remains.

Forensic police search the Carr Street home. Photo: WA Police
Camera IconForensic police search the Carr Street home. Photo: WA Police Credit: Supplied/Supplied

“We don’t give up – we will continue to search for answers for Lisa Brown’s family and friends,” Det Insp Brittain said.

“If we continue to receive information, we will act.”

At the time her father, Terry Brown said the wait for closure had been agonising for his family.

“Obviously people must know something about what happened to Lisa,” Terry Brown said.

“If anyone does know anything please help the police and call Crime Stoppers.”

She was last seen wearing casual blue denim jeans, a black T-shirt and black high heeled boots.

If you have information that may assist police to locate Lisa please call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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