Keith Lees lands in Queensland to face charges over alleged 1997 murder of Meaghan Rose

A 72-year-old man is facing charges over the alleged 1997 murder of Meaghan Louise Rose on the Sunshine Coast after being extradited to Queensland.

Keith Lees, 72, was arrested in Dural, in Sydney’s north-west, last week.

Detective Senior Sergeant Tara Kentwell said Mr Lees “was charged at the guard house in Brisbane” after landing in the city a short time ago.

a young woman smiling at the camera in an old photograph — Meaghan Rose’s body was found at the base of the cliffs at Point Cartwright on the Sunshine Coast in 1997. (Provided by: Queensland Police)

The body of nurse Meaghan Louise Rose, 25, was found at the base of the cliffs at Point Cartwright in July 1997.

Police initially believed she had taken her own life due to a high blood alcohol concentration, but in 2022 there was a new investigation by cold case detectives.

The following year, they announced a $500,000 reward for information leading to an arrest.

A Queensland warrant for Mr Lees was issued in July 2023. He was also facing charges in NSW, including assaulting a police officer and two counts of identity fraud. Those charges were dropped.

a detective speaking at a press conference — Detective Senior Sergeant Tara Kentwell said Mr Lees “was charged at the watch house in Brisbane”. (ABC News)

“Meaghan’s mother is currently in palliative care for high dependency dementia, her family advises they understand this man has been detained,” Detective Sergeant Kentwell said.

“We would like to thank police nationwide for progressing the many sightings provided by members of the public.”

He will appear in Brisbane Magistrates Court tomorrow.

A man who hides his face from the press — Keith Lees hid his face from the press as police escorted him away. (ABC News: Talissa Signato)