Murder accused to spend weeks in custody before next court date

Rose’s sister, Fiona Ratcliffe, said it had been an emotional week for the family, especially seeing images of the arrest.

“A lot of tears…but we still have a long way to go,” she said.

Rose’s mother, now aged 88 and in palliative care for dementia, was also informed of the arrest, police said.

Rose worked in the disability and aged care sector and was considering going back to study before her death, which was initially treated as a suicide.

On the last day she was seen alive, she had gone to the Maroochydore RSL with Lees. Lees was 19 years Rose’s senior when they were together.

Police renewed their interest in Lees in mid-2023, when they issued a warrant for his arrest, arranged for Rose’s family members issue a public appeal for information, and attempted to interview him in Victoria.

In a statement on Thursday afternoon, police said a $500,000 reward remained on offer for information leading to the conviction of Rose’s killer. Any accomplices, not involved in her murder, could also be eligible for an indemnity from prosecution.

Detective Senior Sergeant Tara Kentwell said police believed Lees had also been living in the Northern Territory, and most recently in Dural.

“He has received assistance from a number of organisations, including religious groups during this time,” she said.

“Over the past 18 months he had travelled to a number of different states. He had gained assistance from people, from organisations and groups, and it accumulated in him obtaining accommodation, furniture, other associations and things like that.”

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