SEVENTEEN years ago Janine Vaughan went for a night out with friends, and was never seen again.
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And while many years have passed since that fateful morning, for her family, the pain is as raw as if it were yesterday.
Janine’s younger sister, Kylie Spelde, said this time of year is always hard, but what keeps them going is the hope that one day someone, somewhere will come forward.
“Just looking at the news this week [with Lynette Dawson] shows me not to give up hope. Look what can happen when police get that piece of information that gets them across the line,” she said.
“It was the same with Daniel Morcombe.”
Janine Vaughan was last seen around 4am on Friday, December 7, 2001 in Keppel Street, Bathurst, getting into a red four door medium size sedan similar to a Mitsubishi Magna or a Toyota Camry.
She was walking just metres ahead of her friends, when the car pulled up alongside her in Keppel Street. Janine got in, the car drove off, and Janine has not been seen or heard from since.
Just looking at the news this week [with Lynette Dawson], shows me not to give up hope. Look what can happen when police get that piece of information that gets them across the line
- Kylie Spelde
What happened to her has been the subject of two police investigations, an inquest and a Police Integrity Commission hearing, yet her family are no closer to finding out the truth.
Mrs Spelde said the family aren’t able to get to Bathurst for Janine’s anniversary this year, but said they would love anyone who knew Janine to leave flowers in her memory near where she was taken, at the intersection of Keppel and George Street.
A spokesperson for the homicide squad, which has carriage of the investigation said Janine’s disappearance continues to be investigated under Strike Force Toko II.
“We are committed to getting justice for Janine and will continue until we have answers,” they said.
A $100,000 reward stands for information leading to the conviction of Janine’s killer, information can be given to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.