Breakthrough in Queensland cold case as man assists police over 2013 disappearance of woman known as Ms Bernard
By Jemima Burt, Rory Callinan, and Michael AtkinPolice have had a breakthrough in one of Queensland's most baffling cold cases, questioning a man in relation to the disappearance of a young woman on Cape York 11 years ago.
Police have confirmed a 62-year-old Coen man is assisting with inquiries in relation to the February 2013 disappearance of a Kowanyama woman known as Ms Bernard.
The case had recently been at the centre of major publicity after a $500,000 reward was offered.
Archer River Quarry caretaker Thomas Byrnes was the last person to see 23-year-old Ms Bernard alive in February 2013.
Last year a coronial inquest heard Ms Bernard had been travelling around the Cape York region when she walked out of the Exchange Hotel in Coen and was never seen again.
The court heard conflicting reports by Mr Byrnes, who picked her up that night and took her back to where he lived at the Archer River Quarry.
No charges have been laid.