Detective clears Steven Fenwick's girlfriend after eight-year mystery
Lead detective told an inquest he is confident Steven Fenwick's girlfriend played no role in his death.
Steven Fenwick disappeared on January 31, 2019, from Corroba Oval at Stockton near Newcastle. His girlfriend, Samantha Melville, told police she left him at the oval while she walked nearby to buy drugs.
When she returned, he was gone. Police believe he died shortly after, but his body has never been recovered.
Detective Matt Counsell said he is confident Ms Melville did not play a role in his disappearance. Her initial conflicting statements to police were explained by her attempts to hide illegal drug activity, he said.
An inquest this week is examining four possible theories: overdose, murder at a nearby house, death in a random altercation, or drowning in the ocean. A $500,000 reward remains unclaimed.
- January 31, 2019, around 3.15am
- Disappearance date
- Corroba Oval, Stockton, near Newcastle
- Location
- $500,000
- Unclaimed reward
Why it mattersMajor unsolved case receives official clarity through detective evidence at coronial inquest after eight years.
AustraliaNewcastle region's long-running missing-person investigation continues with new official findings.
