UPDATE: Police have concluded a critical search for the remains of missing three-year-old Cheryl Grimmer without any new breakthroughs. Earlier today, investigators scoured a rugged area near Fairy Meadow Beach in Wollongong, New South Wales, based on a confession made over 50 years ago.
Cheryl vanished in 1970, triggering one of Australia’s longest-running missing child investigations. During the search, which began around 11:30 AM, police deployed a team of cadaver dogs to the site identified in a 1971 confession from a then-17-year-old suspect known only as “Mercury.”
Despite the extensive search efforts, police confirmed by early afternoon that no human remains were found. Officials reported, “Bones were located and photographed within the search area. Following expert advice, the bones were confirmed to belong to an animal.”
Authorities revisit the site more than a year after Detective Senior Constable Frank Sanvitale uncovered the confession, leading to criminal charges against the man in 2017. However, the case collapsed in 2018 when the Supreme Court ruled the confession as inadmissible, leaving the investigation stagnant.
The search today reignited hopes for answers in a case that has haunted the Wollongong community for decades. The NSW Police Homicide Squad’s Unsolved Homicide Unit continues to pursue leads, stating that the investigation into Cheryl’s abduction and suspected murder remains “active.”
A $1 million reward is still available for anyone who can provide critical information. Police urge anyone with knowledge to reach out to Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000.
This ongoing investigation reflects the persistent quest for justice and closure for Cheryl’s family and the community, highlighting the emotional toll of unresolved cases. As police continue their efforts, the hope remains that one day, they will uncover the truth behind Cheryl Grimmer’s tragic disappearance.
