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The ABC understands 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 laid over Simone Strobel's death
- In 2020 police offered a $1m reward in exchange for information leading a conviction
- In 2007 a corner found there was not enough evidence to refer the inquest findings to the Director of Public Prosecutions
Detectives attached to the Richmond Police District travelled to WA as part of an ongoing investigation.
The naked body of 25-year-old Simone Monika Strobel was discovered concealed under palm fronds on a bocce court five days after she was reported missing in February 2005.
The kindergarten teacher spent the fortnight before her death travelling the east coast of Australia with her boyfriend, his sister and their friend.
The Germans arrived in Lismore on February 11, 2005 and checked into the Lismore Tourist Caravan Park.
That night was the last time Ms Strobel was seen alive.
No-one has ever been charged over her death, after a coronial inquiry in 2007 found there was not enough evidence to refer findings to the Director of Public Prosecutions.
On October 15, 2020 the NSW and police announced a $1 million reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for Ms Strobel's death.