MAJOR CRIME & MINE RESCUE RENEW SEARCH FOR KAREN WILLIAMS
Wednesday 24 September 2014
Karen WILLIAMS
Karen WILLIAMS
Forensic scientist Ellie Simpson (centre) and two officers sift through soil brought up by the blower from the bottom of the mine shaft during day two of the search for missing teenager Karen Williams. Picture: Dylan Coker
Age - 16 years when missing.
Missing from Coober Pedy since August 1990.
Feb 4th 2010 - ABC
South Australian police say they have a fresh lead on a Coober Pedy teenager's disappearance 20 years ago.
Major Crime investigators have received an anonymous letter they hope will throw more light on Karen Williams' disappearance.
The 16-year-old was reported missing in August 1990 when she failed to return home from a disco at the Coober Pedy Hotel.
Detective Inspector Denise Gray says the letter giving new information on Miss William's disappearance will be investigated.
"I'm hoping that the person that provided the letter will come forward and give us some more information," she said.
"The details are quite scant and the more information we have relative to it would assist us and I would ask for anybody with any information come forward."
She says police are working with the family.
"The loss of a child is devastating for anyone and even though it's 20 years ago I don't imagine that pain would dull too much," she said.
"But bits and pieces come in all the time that we're hoping one day we will provide a solution to the disappearance."
Now her brother Kim Williams has told The Advertiser he is afraid the same thing will happen to the rest of their family, who have spent the past 22 years trying to put the pieces of her unsolved disappearance together.
"He (father Kingsley Smith) used to wait all the time for answers," he said.
"He never gave up; it was on his mind every day. I want to know something before mum goes too."
This weekend Major Crime detectives revealed a new lead in their investigation and say they have extracted a DNA sample from their key suspect.
"Now there's a glimmer of hope and that's something," Mr Williams said.
The fun and friendly teenager, then 16, had spent the evening of Friday August 3, 1990, at Coober Pedy's Opal Inn and Sergio's restaurant.
She was last seen by friends early the following morning in a car with a man who said he would drop her home.
Mr Williams and his mother Eva said they hoped a renewed investigation would help solve the mystery.
"Please come forward and open up, if you know something; why hide it? Now is the time," Ms Williams said.
"I remember her going to a disco and the last thing I said to her was 'I'm going home do you want to come', but she said she was enjoying herself. "We had a very close relationship with her. We never argued; this was so uncharacteristic of her."
The family is convinced there are people in the community withholding information about the crime.
Mr Williams's message to those people is simple: "I'd say walk in my shoes, see how it feels," he said.
"Walk in my mother's shoes after all these years."
Ms Williams agreed, pleading with the public to finally close the chapter on the unsolved crime that has tortured their family for more than two decades.
"They should be brave enough to own up to the truth or say what they know and tell the police if they know anything," she said.
Major Crime Detective Brevet Sergeant Paul Ward said police were seeking a red or orange Datsun 180B sedan as a vehicle "of interest".
Anyone with information is asked to contact Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.
Updated - ABC
Police believe they are a step closer to solving the disappearance more than two decades ago of Coober Pedy teenager Karen Williams.
Major Crime detectives say they have identified a suspect and taken a sample of his DNA.
It is 22 years since teenager Karen Williams, 16, was last seen alive.
Her disappearance from the South Australian outback opal mining town in the early hours of August 4, 1990 has baffled detectives.
Now a review of the case has given them a new lead, says Detective Brevet Sergeant Paul Ward of SA Police.
"As a result of those enquiries early in August this year, Major Crime detectives interviewed a person who we are now treating as a suspect," he said.
"As you can imagine the family of Karen has gone through some pain over the past 22 years and it's our aim to bring the investigation to a satisfactory conclusion."
The suspect, aged in his 40s, was spoken to during the initial investigation.
He used to live in Coober Pedy and knew Ms Williams and her family.
The man has provided police with his DNA, but detectives still need more information to solve the case.
There remains a $200,000 reward on offer for anyone who provides information leading to an arrest.
Detectives say a red or orange Datsun 180B was seen in the area at the time of Ms Williams' disappearance.
In a significant development in the 22-year-old mystery, Major Crime detectives have questioned the suspect, a former resident of the opal mining town now aged in his 40s. Police have taken a DNA sample from him.
The man was identified when detectives uncovered fresh information implicating him in the long-running case during a comprehensive cold case review this year. The nature of the new information remains confidential, but police have revealed it has given the investigation a "renewed focus and direction" that could result in an arrest.
Major Crime Detective Brevet Sergeant Paul Ward said a vehicle "of interest" in the case - a red or orange Datsun 180B sedan - had also been identified and was now being sought.
The vehicle was seen near Tomcat Rd and the Oodnadatta road, several kilometres from Coober Pedy, in the early hours of August 4, 1990 - the morning Ms Williams disappeared.
Sgt Ward said police had conducted investigations in Victoria, Western Australia and at several locations in SA in recent weeks. Detectives had discovered the 16-year-old had been at Coober Pedy's Opal Inn on the night of Friday August 3, 1990. She left the premises in the early hours of Saturday, August 4 with several friends and went to Sergio's Restaurant in Hutchinson St. Between 5am and 6am that morning, Ms Williams left the restaurant with three friends on foot.
They were collected by a young male and driven to the corner of Medway Dr and Lehman Pl. Her friends left the vehicle and the man drove several hundred metres along nearby Dawes St , where he said he dropped off Ms Williams. She has not been seen since.
"We have already identified people who have given us new information ... and believe there are others who may have information that can assist us," Bvt Sgt Ward said.
"It's now 22 years since Karen vanished. Friendships and loyalties between people alter over time and it is possible people with information that can help us are in that situation now.
"I would urge them to contact us and I remind the public there is a $200,000 reward for any person who provides information that leads to an arrest."
He said solving the case was of importance to Ms Williams's family and the Coober Pedy community.
Anyone who may have seen Karen Williams on the morning of August 4, 1990, or has any information on the movements of the Datsun sedan is urged to contact Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.
They have begun excavating an old mine on the outskirts of the town and expect to retrieve the 16-year-old's remains.
It stems from a major development in the 23-year-old cold case last August , when Major Crime detectives received new information and identified a suspect after an extensive review.
Major Crime detectives expect an arrest to be made if Ms Williams' body is found.
The suspect - who police have revealed as "not a member of the Aboriginal community" - had lived in Coober Pedy at the time of Ms Williams' disappearance, but has not lived in the opal-mining town for many years.
He remains in South Australia.
Ms Williams' family yesterday said finding her remains - and seeing a suspect arrested - would take a huge weight and tension off a community that has leveled blame at one another for two decades.
A Coober Pedy family member of Karen's - who did not want to be identified - said the breakthrough could bring the town peace.
"When she gets found, it will be something lifted from the community - a dark cloud has hung over it for 23 years," she said.
"I'm happy for (the family) that they can finally put her to rest.
"I have mixed emotions. I feel happy and sad at the same time."
The woman said she would not be getting her hopes up until police confirmed they found Karen.
"I feel really empty," she said.
"Now the truth will come out, what's going to happen to people blamed before?
"Too many people have been getting blamed."
Many members of Karen's close family, including her mother Eva Williams, live in Adelaide.
Detective Superintendent Des Bray, officer-in-charge of Major Crime, says there are three mine shafts at the site in which Ms Williams' body is likely located.
The current shaft - in which mine rescue workers, along with local police and SES workers have begun the slow excavation process using buckets by hand - is less than 1m wide and about 35ft deep.
"I'm very happy that we've progressed to the point that we're here today and while nothing is ever certain and we can't be 100 per cent that Karen is buried at this site, we have every expectation and we genuinely believe this is the most likely place in South Australia that we'll find Karen Williams," he said.
Ms Williams had been at Coober Pedy's Opal Inn on the night of Friday August 3, 1990. She left the venue in the early hours of Saturday, August 4 with several friends and went to Sergio's Restaurant in Hutchinson St for a private gathering.
Between 5am and 6am that morning, Ms Williams left the restaurant with three friends on foot.
They were picked up by a young local man and driven to the corner of Medway Dr and Lehman Pl.
Ms Williams' friends left the vehicle and the man drove several hundred metres along nearby Dawes St, where he said he dropped off Ms Williams near a family member's home.
The 16-year-old has not been seen since .
Police hope to gather more evidence to strengthen their case once Ms Williams' body is located.
Last year's review led to a number of new witnesses, persons of interest and the suspect. More than one person may have been involved in Ms Williams' disappearance.
Det-Supt Bray said the collective information led them to search the mine site.
The owner of the property has not been implicated in Ms Williams' disappearance.
"We have DNA on record and if we're fortunate enough to find Karen's body, there's every likelihood we will recover DNA from the scene," Mr Bray said.
"If you look at this site today, it didn't look like this in 1990 - it was unfenced, there was no shed over the mine and obviously had not been partially filled in.
"We're quietly confident we're in the right place."
Det-Supt Bray said he believed there were still people in the town who withheld information at the time of Ms Williams' disappearance and urged them to come forward because they had nothing to fear.
A $200,000 reward was put on offer for information that led police to locating Ms Williams' body.
"You just can't imagine what it's like for the family to have someone you love murdered and secondly not to have the body recovered and see people apparently who've got away with it," he said.
"I'm very confident the people who did this will not get away with it."
If you know anything about this crime please call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or report online at www.sa.crimestoppers.com.au if you can help.
The police operation - which expects to uncover the remains of
the missing teenager and presumed murder victim - is now in day three with no clear end in sight.The first mine shaft - considered the most likely location in which the 16-year-old's body was dumped 23 years ago - turned out to be much larger than first anticipated and did not contain any human remains.
At about 2.30pm on Friday, the volunteers finished searching the first shaft and moved on to a second site.
SES and mine rescue volunteer Andy Sheils - a 41-year resident of Coober Pedy - said the painstakingly slow process was very difficult for the volunteers.
"We started pulling most of the dirt using a 20L bucket and that was very slow, and there's a lot of rubbish in it so it's very hard to dig," he said.
"We got the blower in yesterday, which is basically a giant vacuum cleaner with nine-inch pipes.
"It's very hard work - we have to change over fairly regularly.
"We've had a lot of compacted ground, which has made it very slow."
Mr Sheils said the first shaft's small opening - about 80cm wide - made the job even more difficult.
"We're pretty used to that, it doesn't worry us, but it makes the job very difficult - we've got to bend down and it's hard to breathe," he said.
"And when the blower's not working, it gets really hot.
"It's very restrictive and if it's compacted ground it's very tough physical work - you get tired out very quickly."
Excavation efforts also have been hampered by mechanical difficulties associated with the old blower.
"You never know, every time we think we've got an idea on what's going on, all of a sudden it changes again - we hit rubbish and we have to slow down," Mr Sheils said.
Police and forensic teams have begun bagging random objects from the excavated dirt, in case they are related to the crime.
"I've always wanted to get some type of closure, especially for (Karen's) mum, brother and friends," Mr Sheils said.
"You want to close that book so it'll be good if we can do that."
Detective Superintendent Des Bray, officer-in-charge of Major Crime, has praised the efforts of volunteers and remains confident they will uncover Ms Williams' remains at the current site.
That find will likely lead to the arrest of a key suspect and a resolution to the 23-year mystery.
"We're into day three but we can say that there is nothing that has dampened our enthusiasm," he said.
"(The SES crews) have just been excellent. They make significant sacrifice to be here and do this, as do all volunteers, and they've done a tremendous job.
"They are working in very confined space, at depths, very cramped conditions, it's hard work. I'd suggest (Mr Sheils) is understating the effort they put in."
MAJOR CRIME & MINE RESCUE RENEW SEARCH FOR KAREN WILLIAMS
Wednesday 24 September 2014
Major Crime Investigation Branch returned to Coober Pedy on Monday 22 September armed with fresh information on the whereabouts of missing teenager Karen Williams.
With the assistance of the Coober Pedy Mine Rescue Squad, several locations within close proximity to the original search areas were targetted for excavation over 4 days. By the end of day four after clearing the designated mine shafts, sadly nothing was uncovered.
Detective Superintendent Des Bray said, “Two critical witnesses have come forward since we were last in Coober Pedy. The information they have provided is significant to the investigation.”
“In addition we’re grateful that someone has come forward with a large number of historical photos that shows the layout and buildings in the town at the time of Karen’s disappearance. That has helped enormously.”
“These new pieces of information and more calls from the Coober Pedy community has enabled us to establish a number of previously unknown details and that has certainly helped advance the investigation,” he said.
An anthropologist and forensic experts remain on standby and in Adelaide and will go to Coober Pedy if any remains or evidence is recovered.
The 16-year-old was last seen sometime between 5am and 6am on Saturday 4 August, 1990 with her disappearance declared a major crime in October 1990.
A $200,000 reward remains on offer to anyone who can lead police to the discovery of her remains. Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at http://www.sa.crimestoppers.com.au
Friday 15 August 2014: In a closed court session in Adelaide today, Nikola Novakovich aged 42 was listed for trial in the Supreme Court for 2 Feb 2015.
Novakovich was arrested and charged with the 1990 murder of teenager Karen Williams on 7 Nov 2013.
Karen Williams was last seen alive at Coober Pedy in December 1990 when she left a disco in a car driven by Novakovich in the company of some friends. Ms Williams was the last to be dropped off.
Novakovich allegedly raped and murdered Ms Williams, before her body was disposed of down a disused mine shaft.
Major Crime detectives and Coober Pedy Mine Rescue Squad will continue the search for the teenagers body.
Thursday 17 July 2014 To the community, past residents and visitors
Major Crime Dectives and the Coober Pedy Mine Rescue Squad have been working with the community of Coober Pedy to assist in locating the remains of Karen Williams who disappeared in 1990.
More help is needed to bring this case to a close. Detective Supt. Des Bray of Major Crime is appealing to the community, past residents and visitors to search through old photos in case something of relevence to the case was captured around the time.
“We believe Karen’s body was left in the boot of a burnt-out white Ford (or similar) on the edge of town, in the vicinity of Malliotis Blvd and Flat Hill Road at Coober Pedy. We know the white car was found a short distance from the bitumen road and may have been there for some time.”
“Information is leading us to believe that Karen’s body was removed from this car and placed down a mine shaft about 20 metres away.”
“We are appealing to anyone who owned that vehicle, or has knowledge of the car’s exact location at the time, or who may later have collected the vehicle, to contact Police immediately.”
“Identifying the precise location of that vehicle at the time of Karen’s murder will increase the likelihood of locating her remains,” he said.
A $200,000 reward is still on offer to anyone who can lead police to the discovery of her remains”, said Detective Supt. Bray.
Detective Supt. Bray says any photos at all within a 500 metre radius of Flathill & Maliotis could prove helpful.
“People can take photos into Coober Pedy Police Station and leave their name/contact details (photos will be provided to us, we will copy and return them); OR if outside of Coober Pedy, can ring Crimestoppers and provide their details, advising they have photos relevant to the Karen Williams murder case. We will then get all of those reports, make contact and personally collect photos.”
Detective Supt. Des Bray further states,”Since our return from the last Coober Pedy search, information was obtained there was a “closed” shaft in an area searched which was not unearthed when we graded the area last time. There is a need to re-visit that area in the near future to search for that”.
“Since the last visit investigators have continued to source old imagery (which has proved difficult to obtain) for the original search area and there is an alternative site very close by that requires consideration and obtaining old imagery for as well.”
“Once those inquiries are complete Police will make a final assessment of those areas and implement a response.”
“The local Mine Rescue Squad have had discussions with the Council who have donated the use of council equipment for use in the next search. Whilst this is appreciated, the next search phase is not dependent upon this being donated.”
“A date has not yet been set. The time of attendance will be decided to coincide with the outcome of pending inquiries so that when we do attend we can maximise use of resources and do everything possible to find Karen or eliminate “suspect” areas.”
Wednesday, 27 November 2013 2:02pm
With the temperature reaching 40c today, the search for the remains of murder victim Karen Williams continued at Coober Pedy in the State’s Far North with excavation of a new mine shaft.
Major Crime Detectives assisted by SES Mines Rescue officers and local volunteers commenced a search of an additional mine that was located yesterday.
Over time the opal field diggings have altered with new mines added and old ones filled in, however the Major Crime Investigation Branch and the local Coober Pedy volunteers remain committed to retrieving the teenagers remains.
The current search is expected to be finalised today pending anything of interest being located.
Tuesday 26 November 2013
With temperatures expected to reach 40C this week, Major Crime Detectives and Coober Pedy Mine Rescue volunteers recommenced the search for the missing teenagers remains today using heavy duty equipment.
One initial mine shaft has been searched today and further work is needed to find several other inspection points in the area near Coober Pedy.
Supt Des Bray, officer in charge of the Major Crime Investigation Section has been overseeing the search and understands that even though the first shaft had no results he is confident that the search will continue in numerous shafts over the following days.
Supt Bray continues to praise the hard work of the team on this case and also the State Government for supporting them to bring closure for the family of Karen Williams and the community of Coober Pedy.
Monday, 25 November 2013 1:22pm
Police will resume their search for the remains of missing teenager Karen
Williams in Coober Pedy tomorrow.
The 16-year-old was last seen sometime between 5am and 6am on Saturday 4 August, 1990 with her disappearance declared a major crime in October 1990.
Earlier this month police used ground penetrating radar to examine an area of land, and this week they are returning to the outback town to conduct a further search.
Police are concentrating their efforts on the same area of the town examined in July.
On 7 November police arrested a 42-year-old man in Mt Gambier and charged him with the murder of the teenager.
A $200,000 reward is still on offer to anyone who can lead police to the discovery of her remains.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.sa.crimestoppers.com.au
12 November 2013. Following last week’s arrest of a 42 year old former Coober Pedy man in Mount Gambier who was later charged with the 1990 murder of Karen Williams, police will return to Coober Pedy to continue the search for the teenager’s remains.
The 16-year-old was last seen in the town in August 1990 and is believed to have been murdered.
In July this year, as part of the investigation by the SA Police Major Crime Investigation Branch, a number of mine shafts were searched by detectives with the help of SAPOL’s State Tactical Unit as well as local Mines Rescue and SES.
Unfortunately Karen’s remains were not located, however, police have returned to the town this week to resume their search.
Major Crime Detectives flew to the outback town on Monday, accompanied by experts and equipment to survey the area. Monday and Tuesday will see investigators utilising ground penetrating radar to scan and identify possible sites for
excavation.
Detective Superintendent Des Bray, Officer in Charge Major Crime Investigation Branch, said police remained confident that Karen would be found.
A $200,000 reward is still on offer to anyone who can lead police to the discovery of Karen Williams’ remains. Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.sa.crimestoppers.com.au
Thursday, 7 November 2013 1:31pm
Police today arrested a 42-year-old man for the 1990 murder of teenager Karen Williams.
The man was arrested this afternoon in Mount Gambier by Detectives from SAPOL’s Major Crime Investigation Branch. He was refused bail and will appear in court tomorrow.
Sixteen-year-old Karen Williams was last seen about 5am on 4 August 1990 in Coober Pedy, in the state’s far north. Her disappearance was declared a major crime in October of the same year.
At the time more than 115 statements were taken and police enquiries extended to the Northern Territory and New South Wales. Since her disappearance police have continued to actively investigate the case, following each new piece of evidence in the hope that it would lead to an arrest.
Last year a comprehensive review of the investigation identified a number of new lines of enquiry.
Acting on that new information, in July this year mine shafts at the junction of Flat Hill Road and Malliotis Boulevard, Coober Pedy, were searched by Major Crime detectives with the help of SAPOL’s State Tactical Unit as well as local and SES Mines Rescue. Unfortunately Karen’s remains were not located, however, police will be returning to the town within weeks to recommence the search.
Announcing today’s arrest Deputy Commissioner Grant Stevens said that despite not yet recovering Karen’s remains, police are confident there is a sufficient evidence to progress this case.
“As much as we would like to find Karen’s remains, especially for the sake of her family, we will take this case forward regardless.
“This arrest is the culmination of the relentless work of all those police involved over the years. Murder investigations never close and police do follow up every line of enquiry in the hope that each case is solved and the justice process completed.
“But often the reality is that to help close historic investigations Police need help from the public. And so I urge anyone with information on the State’s unsolved murders to come forward – no matter how small or insignificant you think your information may be.
As this case shows it is never too late and we will take action,” he said.The Major Crime investigation into this murder remains ongoing and police continue to look for a Datsun 180B, registration (SA) SLG-539, which they believe is connected to the case.The Datsun is believed to have been sold or disposed of in 1990 in Adelaide. This vehicle may still be in use and police believe there’s a possibility that important forensic material could still be in the car.Police stress that the number plate may have changed since 1990.
Anyone with information that could assist with the investigation, in particular, information relating to the sale or disposal of the Datsun 180B is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.sa.crimestoppers.com.au
Friday, 30 August 2013 12:07pm
New car linked to Karen Williams disappearance
Detectives investigating the 1990 murder of Coober Pedy teenager Karen William have information that her body was hidden in a car for a number of days prior to being placed down a mine shaft.
Police now need your help to get more information on this car.
Officers from the South Australia Police Major Crime Branch are following very strong lines of inquiry and have recently interviewed people from Sydney, Coober Pedy, Adelaide and Mt Gambier.
Detective Superintendent Des Bray, Officer in Charge Major Crime Investigation Branch, said those interviews have helped gain valuable information that is progressing the investigation.
“We believe Karen’s body was left in the boot of a burnt-out white Ford (or similar) on the edge of town, in the vicinity of Maliotis Road and Flat Hill Road at Coober Pedy.
“We know the white car was found a short distance from the bitumen road and may have been there for some time. Information is leading us to believe that Karen’s body was removed from this car and placed down a mine shaft about 20 metres away.
“We’re now appealing to anyone who owned that vehicle, or has knowledge of the car’s exactly location at the time, or who may later have collected the vehicle to contact Police immediately.
“Identifying the precise location of that vehicle at the time of Karen’s murder will increase the likelihood of locating her remains,” he said.
Police also want to recover a Datsun 180B, registration (SA) SLG-539. The Datsun is believed to have been sold or disposed of since 1990 at either Glendambo (approximately 280km north of Pt Augusta) or Coober Pedy.
This vehicle may still be in use and are seeking the public’s assistance to find it, as there’s a possibility that important forensic material could still be in the car. Police stress that the number plate may have changed since 1990.
A $200,000 reward remains on offer for anyone providing information that leads to the recovery of teenager Karen Williams remains who went missing from Coober Pedy in 1990.
Her disappearance was declared a major crime in October 1990, but despite several appeals and extensive investigations over the years, no-one has yet been arrested for her murder.
The 16-year-old was last seen sometime between 5am and 6am on Saturday 4 August, 1990 in the Datsun 180B.
Anyone with information that could assist with the investigation, in particular, information relating to the sale or disposal of the Datsun 180B is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.sa.crimestoppers.com.au
REWARD FOR INFORMATION ON KAREN WILLIAMS DISAPPEARANCE – COOBER PEDY
Sunday, 25 August 2013 10:43am
Police are reminding the public that a $200,000 reward remains on offer for anyone providing information that leads to the recovery of teenager Karen Williams remains who went missing from Coober Pedy in 1990.
Her disappearance was declared a major crime in October 1990, but despite several appeals and extensive investigations over the years, no-one has yet been arrested for her murder.
The 16-year-old, was last seen sometime between 5am and 6am on Saturday 4 August, 1990 in a Datsun 180B, registration (SA) SLG-539.
The Datsun is believed to have been sold or disposed of since 1990 at either Glendambo (approximately 280km north of Pt Augusta) or Coober Pedy.
Police believe this vehicle may still be in use and are seeking the public’s assistance to find it, as there’s a possibility that important forensic material could still be in the car. Police stress that the numberplate may of changed since 1990.
The investigation continues to explore several lines of enquiry – most recently with police, in July 2013, using aerial photos and satellite images dating back to the 1980’s to narrow down a possible location of Karen’s remains in Coober Pedy.
Police, with the assistance of Mine Rescue/SES personnel, excavated four mine shafts at the junction of Malliotis Boulevard and Flat Hill Road in the outback township.
While the search was unsuccessful, investigators remain confident Karen’s remains are in one of these mine shafts in this area.
Detective Superintendent Des Bray, Officer in Charge Major Crime Investigation Branch, said “We are confident Karen’s remains are down one of these mine shafts. “We also know there are people with precise knowledge about the location of her body and I encourage those people to come forward and assist the police.
“Those involved in this murder should take no comfort from the fact we have not yet located the body, and there are a number of cases in this State where we have arrested and convicted offenders for murder in the absence of a body.”
As part of their investigation Major Crime Detectives have spoken to persons of interest in Sydney, Coober Pedy and more particularly, Mt Gambier and other locations in the SA’s south-east.
Anyone with information that could assist with the investigation, in particular, information relating to the sale or disposal of the Datsun 180B is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.sa.crimestoppers.com.au
Wednesday, 31 July 2013 5:52pm
Since police arrived in Coober Pedy a week ago to commence searching for the remains of Karen Williams, about 35 people have come forward with information in relation to the cold case, with seven of these considered positive lines of inquiry.
Major Crime detectives now plan to finalise the current search for Karen’s remains and return to Adelaide to assess the new information and plan for the next phase of the investigation.
Police and volunteer searchers have searched a number of mine shafts on a property and on public land adjacent to the property on the outskirts of Coober Pedy in the past week, to no avail. Detective Superintendent Des Bray, Officer in Charge, Major Crime Investigation Branch remains optimistic and says, “I firmly believe that Karen is located in close proximity to where we have been searching.”
Anyone with information that may assist the investigation into this 23-year-old mystery is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 – no matter how small or insignificant you may think the information.
Wednesday, 31 July 2013 9:25am
Helpful information received as search
for Karen Williams continues
Major Crime detectives received seven telephone calls last night from people
willing to provide information to assist them with the search for missing Coober
Pedy teenager Karen Williams.
Investigators manned the phones at the Coober Pedy police station from 6pm to 7.30pm and Detective Superintendent Des Bray, Officer in Charge Major Crime Investigation Branch described the information provided as helpful.
“We have had two or three people speak to us on site during the search and with the calls to Crime Stoppers, we have now had about 30 offers of information. Given the fact that this is a 23 year old murder case, this result is pleasing and I thank those who contacted police.”
Tuesday, 30 July 2013 3:16pm
Major Crime to man Williams hotline
Police officers from the SA Police Major Crime Investigation Branch are appealing to anyone with information about the location of the body of a missing teenager to phone the Coober Pedy Police Station tonight.
With the assistance of SES Coober Pedy Mine Rescue volunteers, police have been searching mine shafts for the remains of 16-year-old Karen Williams, who was last seen in Coober Pedy in August 1990.
Her disappearance was officially declared a Major Crime in October 1990, but despite several appeals and extensive investigations over the years, no-one has yet been arrested for her murder.
Last year a $200,000 reward was offered for information which leads to an arrest in the case.
Detective Superintendent Des Bray, Officer in Charge Major Crime Investigation Branch, urged anyone with information about the case to call investigators tonight between 6pm and 7.30pm on 8672 5056.
“We know there are people with precise knowledge about the location of Karen’s body,” he said. “I encourage those people to come forward and assist the police.”
A total of four mines have been excavated since the search began on 24 July.
Aerial photos and satellite images dating back to the 1980’s have been reviewed in conjunction with Mine Rescue personnel.
Supt Bray said that several other areas of interest are still to be explored.
“Those involved in this murder should take no comfort from the fact we have not yet located the body, and there are a number of cases in this State where we have arrested and convicted offenders for murder in the absence of a body,” he said.
Monday, 29 July 2013 11:36am
Two mines uncovered at Coober Pedy
The search for the remains of Karen Williams, believed to be located in a disused mine shaft on a property in the outback mining town of Coober Pedy, resumed this morning. Two additional mine shafts have been uncovered on the same property where searchers focused their efforts last week.
Police brought in a front end loader and grader to skim the surface of a section of the property and uncovered evidence of two mines. Upon further examination, it became clear these were not exploratory mines, but rather defined mine shafts 80cm in diameter and up to 60 feet deep.
Excavations on the two mines began this morning, using the same
methods utilised last week.
The investigation into the disappearance of Karen Williams, who was 16-years-old
when she disappeared from Coober Pedy in August 1990, continues and police ask
anyone with information, not matter how insignificant it may seem, to contact
Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Police are particularly interested if anyone saw a red or orange Datsun 180B in the vicinity of Tomcat Road and Oodnadatta Road in the early hours of August 4, 1990. A $200,000 reward for information has been offered.
Friday, 26 July 2013 3:27pm
At about 2.20pm today, police and the Coober Pedy Mine Rescue Squad reached the bottom of the first mine shaft in the search for the remains of Karen Williams. No items of relevance were found, but police have begun digging the second mine, and remain confident she will be found.
Detective Superintendent Des Bray said were still confident they would successfully conclude their search for the missing teenager at the current location.
“We originally thought the shaft would be about 35 feet but obviously it was much deeper, but that is not a negative thing. We’ve prioritised the shafts and we thought this was the shaft we should do first but we’ll work through them until we get a result.”
“We are putting all of our efforts into excavating quickly and as safely as we can and we remain optimistic that we will find Karen at this location.”
“The Coober Pedy Mine Rescue Squad have been excellent to work with and have made tremendous sacrifices to be here and do this. They’ve done a tremendous job and without them we wouldn’t be in the position we are in.”
“They are working in a very confined space at depths in very cramped conditions – it’s hard work. Those guys are working really, really hard for us and doing their best to make sure we get a good result and we think it’s a terrific effort they’ve all put in.”
Detective Superintendent Bray said, “Overall we are very happy with how the investigation is going and independent of what we are doing here, we have no doubt that we will bring this investigation to a satisfactory conclusion in the near future.
Karen, who was 16-years-old at the time, disappeared from her home town of Coober Pedy in the early hours of 4 August 1990.
Although Crime Stoppers have received numerous calls, especially since the digging began on Wednesday, police continue to encourage anyone with information about Karen’s disappearance to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Thursday, 25 July 2013 6:29pm
Operations have ceased for the day in relation to the search for the body of Karen Williams. Karen, who was 16-years-old at the time of her disappearance, was last seen in Coober Pedy in August 1990.
Both police and the media have finished operations at the scene.
The blower, which has helped speed up the digging of the mine shaft, has been a very useful tool.
Although it has been a hard day’s work for everyone, police with the assistance of the Coober Pedy Mine Rescue Squad volunteers, will be back and ready to resume the search in the morning.
Anyone with information regarding the disappearance of Karen is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.sa.crimestoppers.com.au
Crimestoppers received 15 calls after day one of the search went to air via the media in attendance.
Thursday, 25 July 2013 9:52am
Police continue the search today for the body of Karen Williams who disappeared from her home town in Coober Pedy in August 1990.
Wednesday, 24 July 2013 6:15pm
Police will resume their search tomorrow in the hope of finding the body of Karen Williams who disappeared from the town of Coober Pedy in August 1990.
Police, with the assistance of members of the Coober Pedy Mine Rescue, will continue to dig a mine shaft located on the outskirts of the town which police believe may lead them to the whereabouts of Ms Williams.
Anyone with information about her disappearance is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.sa.crimestoppers.com.au
Wednesday, 24 July 2013 12:51pm
Police begin search for body in a 20-year-old murder mystery. Superintendent Des Bray spoke to SA Police News about the search in Coober Pedy.
The audio was recorded this afternoon from the site in Coober Pedy where the search continues. http://www.sapolicenews.com.au/component/content/article/4-news/15665-police-begin-search-for-body-in-a-20-year-old-murder-mystery-.html
Police have today begun a search in Coober Pedy for the body of Karen Williams who disappeared from the town in August 1990.
The case was officially declared a Major Crime in October 1990, but despite several appeals and extensive investigations over the years no-one has yet been arrested for her murder.
However, Major Crime detectives recently received information that may lead to the whereabouts of Ms Williams body – and hopefully the person responsible for her murder.
The 16-year-old disappeared near Dawes Street and Medway Drive, Coober Pedy on Saturday, 4 August 1990 between 5am and 6am.
She had had been at the Opal Inn, Coober Pedy on the evening of Friday, 3 August 1990 and into the early hours of Saturday, 4 August.
At about 3am, Ms Williams left the Opal Inn with a number of friends and went to Sergio’s Restaurant on Hutchinson Street.
Sometime around 5am, she left the restaurant with three friends and they were all driven to the corner of Medway Drive and Lehman Place by a young local man.
Ms Williams’ friends got out of the vehicle there and went to a nearby property, while the local man drove her a short distance further to Dawes Street, where she was allegedly dropped off. Ms Williams has not been seen since.
Last year a $200,000 reward was offered for information which leads to an arrest in the case.
Police are particularly interested if anyone saw a red or orange Datsun 180B in the vicinity of Tomcat Road and Oodnadatta Road in the early hours of August 4.
On Monday night this crime featured on the Channel 10 crime show “Wanted”. Five calls to Crime Stoppers were made after this story was broadcast. Police will closely examine each of the calls and the information provided.
If you know anything about this crime it’s not too late to come forward. Please call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or report online at www.sa.crimestoppers.com.au if you can help.
Monday, 22 July 2013 2:25pm
The disappearance of a 16-year-old girl from Coober Pedy nearly 23 years ago will feature tonight on Channel 10’s new crime show “Wanted”.
Please tune in at 8.30pm to see if you have any information could help resolve this Major Crime.
Karen Michelle Williams disappeared from near Dawes Street and Medway Drive, Coober Pedy on Saturday, 4 August 1990 between 5am and 6am.
She had had been at the Opal Inn, Coober Pedy on the evening of Friday, 3 August 1990 and into the early hours of Saturday, 4 August.
At about 3am, Karen left the Opal Inn with a number of friends and went to Sergio’s Restaurant on Hutchinson Street.
Sometime around 5am, Karen left the restaurant with three friends and they were all driven to the corner of Medway Drive and Lehman Place by a young local man.
Karen’s friends got out of the vehicle there and went to a nearby property, while the local man drove Karen a short distance further to Dawes Street, where she was allegedly dropped off. Karen has not been seen since.
The case was officially declared a Major Crime in October 1990 and last year a $200,000 reward was offered for information which leads to an arrest in the case.
Police are particularly interested if anyone saw a red or orange Datsun 180B in the vicinity of Tomcat Road and Oodnadatta Road in the early hours of August 4.
If you know anything about this crime it’s not too late to come forward. Please call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or report online at www.sa.crimestoppers.com.au if you can help.
Tuesday, 9 July 2013 2:24pm
Today’s announcement of a $200,000 reward for information about the unsolved murder of Emma Jade Pawelski in 2005, also highlights a number of other unsolved cases.
$200,000 REWARD FOR INFORMATION ON KAREN WILLIAMS WHEREABOUTS
Posted on August 19, 2012 here
These cases remain open on major crime investigation books, and can also attract rewards of $200,000 for any information that leads to the apprehension and conviction of the person or people responsible.
A case is never closed until solved and the appeal for new information remains constant.
If anyone has any information about murdered or missing people presumed murdered, please contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report online at www.sa.crimestoppers.com.au
By court reporter Candice Prosser ABC
It is "inconceivable" Coober Pedy teenager Karen Williams is still alive and the prosecution does not need her body to prove its case against the alleged murderer, a Supreme Court judge has been told.
The 16-year-old went missing in August 1990 after attending a disco at the local hotel.
Nikola Novakovich, 44, is on trial for her murder.
Prosecutors allege Novakovich murdered the teenager after giving her a lift home from the disco.
Despite extensive searches of surrounding areas, including disused mineshafts, the teenager's body has never been found.
In closing addresses to Justice Tim Stanley, who is hearing the trial without a jury, prosecutor Jim Pearce QC said it was not plausible that the teenager simply went "walkabout".
"The prosecution must exclude that she just decided to up stumps and go missing, that she voluntarily absented herself from Coober Pedy," he said.
"Against that proposition is the fact that she otherwise was settled and happy.
"I accept that's a possibility your Honour must consider when looking at this question of whether the prosecution have proven she's dead, the possibility she might have decided to abscond herself, it doesn't sit with the evidence of her behaviour in the months leading up to that night and in particular with her behaviour on the night."
He said the last words witnesses heard Karen say was that she wanted to be with her mother.
"It means that for the last 26 years now Karen Williams has managed to avoid detection by any government agency or authority," he said.
"As a community, as a country, perhaps regrettably, everyone is very concerned about proving where people come from these days and it's inconceivable to think she could still be alive and somehow slipped through the net."
Mr Pearce said the girl was "unworldly" and would not have been able to "work the system" and create false identities.
Novakovich's lawyer, Marie Shaw QC, told the court inconsistencies in witness accounts of alleged confessions from the accused cast doubt on the case.
One witness testified that Novakovich allegedly said he had shot the girl, while another gave evidence that he allegedly said he had raped and strangled her.
"The various conflicting stories that have emerged, for whatever reason, cut across the Crown's ability to have one single continuum factual account of what happened," she said.
"That therefore leaves the court in a situation where it casts a doubt on the reliability of any of the individual witnesses who gave conflicting versions of what the Crown say is the single act of murder. They cannot sit together."
Mrs Shaw said the court could not reconcile the different versions given by the witnesses.
"The circumstances that are said to, or alleged to surround each of the ways in which death is caused, are so disparate and irreconcilable."
Closing addresses will continue on Friday and Justice Stanley will deliver his verdict at a later date.
By court reporter Candice Prosser ABC
A man who stood trial for murdering Coober Pedy teenager Karen Williams in 1990 has walked free from the South Australian Supreme Court after being acquitted.
Nikola Novakovich, 45, was accused of killing the teenager who went missing in the town 26 years ago.
Justice Tim Stanley delivered his verdict this morning, finding Mr Novakovich not guilty of murder and not guilty of the lesser charge of manslaughter.
There was an allegation Mr Novakovich shot the teenager because she had seen him and his associate Aleksander Radosavljevic commit armed robbery.
Mr Radosavljevic alleged to police that he helped Mr Novakovich dispose of Ms Williams' body down a mineshaft.
Justice Stanley said he was satisfied both men "had some involvement in the death of Karen Williams and the disposal of her body" but took issue with the evidence.
"Having considered all of the evidence in this matter, I am unable to be satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that the accused killed Karen Williams, let alone that he did so with the specific intent of killing her or inflicting grievous bodily harm," he said.
Family members of Ms Williams cried and yelled as Mr Novakovich walked out of the courthouse after being released from custody.
The 16-year-old went missing in August 1990 after attending a disco at the local hotel.
The prosecution alleged Mr Novakovich murdered Ms Williams after giving her a lift home from the disco.
Despite extensive searches of surrounding areas, including disused mineshafts, the teenager's body has never been found.
Police reopened the case in 2012 and re-interviewed witnesses.
One came forward in 2014 to say she was working at the roadhouse and saw Mr Novakovich and Ms Williams getting petrol before he drove off.
She said he later drove past without Ms Williams in the car, which went against his own version of events.
During the trial, the court heard Mr Novakovich had allegedly admitted to friends he had killed Ms Williams.
Outside court, Detective Inspector Greg Hutchins from Major Crime said police would continue their investigation into the case.
"The family are obviously very disappointed with the verdict, they have suffered tremendously," he said.
"They desperately seek to have their daughter, their sister returned.
"We do not consider the case closed. We will continue to look at opportunities to try to recover Karen's remains."
Ms Williams' brother, Kym Williams, said it had been difficult for his family.
Family friend Lavene Ngatokorua said she was disappointed with the verdict.
"We're not happy, this just means that we haven't stopped our grieving," she said.
"But it doesn't stop for us, it continues and we're just really disappointed but like we said we know that everyone that's been involved in the search for Karen will continue."
Mr Novakovich's lawyer, Stephen Ey, told the media outside court his client had been exonerated.
"He's very relieved obviously and he'd like to thank his legal team," he said.
"He can now get on with his life which has been on hold obviously once he got arrested so he's very relieved.
"It just shows that the judicial system works and he's part of it and he's been exonerated."
Mr Ey said Karen Williams' disappearance was a tragedy, but his client was not responsible.
"It's terribly distressing that they've lost their family member but he wasn't the culprit."
Posted on 04/08/2020
Crimestoppers SA
As the disappearance and presumed murder of teenager Karen Williams now reaches its 30-year milestone, her killer still remains free to roam the community.
On 3 August 1990 Karen Williams spent time with friends at the Opal Inn at Coober Pedy before attending a private party at nearby Sergio’s Restaurant in the early hours of the morning on Saturday 4 August 1990.
Between 5am and 6am Karen and three friends left the restaurant on foot.
They were collected by a young male and driven to the corner of Medway Drv and Lehman Pl. Her friends left the vehicle and the man drove several hundred metres along nearby Dawes St.
A short time later Ms Williams and the man were seen in a vehicle at the Caltex Service Station, Coober Pedy. They then left the service station and drove south along Hutchinson Street before turning left onto the Stuart Highway.
She has not been seen since.
In 2013, a 42-year old man former resident of Coober Pedy was arrested and charged with her murder. He was allegedly the last person to see Karen alive. In August 2016, he was acquitted by a Supreme Court judge.
A reward of up to $1,000,000 remains on offer to anyone who provides information leading to the recovery of her remains or a conviction in the case.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at www.crimestopperssa.com.au