Local police have released an image of a vehicle as they continue to investigate the disappearance of Daniel Copeland, which they believe may be suspicious.
Mr Copeland, aged 40, was last seen on River Street, Maclean, about 15km west of Yamba, about 4.30pm on Sunday 3 September 2023.
Strike Force Illfracombe has been established by detectives from Coffs/Clarence Police District, assisted by State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad, to investigate his disappearance, which they believe may have involved foul play.
Following inquiries, it’s now believed Daniel was travelling in a silver 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer in the Wooli area, on Monday 4 September 2023.
Police have released a CCTV image of the vehicle that they believe he was travelling in and urge anyone who saw him or has information that could assist, to come forward.
‘Police wish to speak with anyone who saw this vehicle on Monday 4 September 2023 in the Maclean, Tyndale or Wooli areas,’ said Detective Acting Inspector Mark Rogers, Coffs/Clarence Police District Crime Manager.
‘We have conducted extensive inquiries and spoken to numerous witnesses, and we definitely hold serious concerns for Daniel’s welfare.
‘Our investigations have led us to believe that Daniel did not travel to Wooli alone.
‘He has not been sighted or made contact with his family or friends since, which is very out of character.
‘We strongly believe there are people who hold vital information about his disappearance, and I would urge those people to come forward and help us with our inquiries.’
Strike force investigators – with the assistance from the NSW SES, Police Airwing and Police Rescue – have conducted land and air searches in the Maclean, Tyndale, and Wooli areas.
Daniel is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 165cm tall, of stocky build, with a blond mohawk, and a full right-arm sleeve tattoo.
He was last seen wearing North Queensland Cowboys NRL shorts, a green long sleeve shirt and a black hoodie.
Robina Homicide Investigation Update
Meanwhile, in other police news, detectives have arrested and charged a second person in relation to the alleged murder of a 26-year-old man in Robina in August.
It will be alleged around 10.15pm on August 17, the man was stabbed during an altercation outside a tavern along Markeri Street.
Another 26-year-old man was taken into custody shortly after 2am the next morning and was charged with murder.
Following further investigations, police located a 31-year-old Southport woman at an address in Waterford West yesterday, October 23.
She has been charged with one count of accessory after the fact to murder.
She has been denied police bail and is expected to appear at Southport Magistrates Court today, October 24.
