A 42-year-old man has been arrested in Western Australia over the death of a German backpacker in Lismore, New South Wales, more than 17 years ago.
Key Points:
- No charges have ever been filed in Simone Strobel’s death
- In 2020, police offered a $1 million reward for information leading to a conviction
- In 2007, one corner found that there was insufficient evidence to refer the findings of the investigation to the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Detectives attached to the Richmond Police District traveled to WA as part of an ongoing investigation.
The naked body of Simone Monika Strobel, 25, was discovered hidden under palm fronds in a petanque court five days after she was reported missing in February 2005.
The kindergarten teacher spent the fortnight before her death traveling down the east coast of Australia with her boyfriend, sister and friend.
The Germans arrived in Lismore on 11 February 2005 and checked into the Lismore Tourist Caravan Park.
That night was the last time Strobel was seen alive.
No one has ever been charged over her death, after a coronial inquest in 2007 found there was insufficient evidence to refer findings to the Director of Public Prosecutions.
On 15 October 2020, NSW and police announced a $1 million reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for Ms Strobel’s death.