POLICE are yet to unearth any trace of Lucille Butterworth in wetlands north-west of Hobart, but say they will not give up hope. Forensic officers last week began excavating a site alongside the Lyell Highway, between Granton and New Norfolk. Investigators believe Ms Butterworth was murdered in August 1969, and say there is credible evidence to suggest her body was dumped at the site. Officers have levelled a disused, overgrown car park near where they believe her body lies, and have started clearing thick vegetation surrounding the area. Inspector David Plumpton said the excavation should still be finished within a fortnight, despite two complications. Investigators early last week received information that the area beyond the car park, towards the Derwent River, was once an illegal tip. Larger machinery has since been brought in to clear away the landfill. Following this discovery, unusually high tides swept some of the site unexpectedly for about three days. Fire service equipment was used to pump away the water, and officers have since been required to replace any dirt that they dig up. Inspector Plumpton said both complications had added time to the task, but police were prepared to continue for as long as it may take. ‘‘We’re really happy with the progress but are of course still hoping to find some remains,’’ Inspector Plumpton said. ‘‘We’re still of a view that if Lucille’s remains are there we will find them, and the chances of us missing anything are absolutely minimal.’’ Inspector Plumpton said officers had discovered animal bones, but no human bones or any of Ms Butterworth’s personal effects. He said the excavation was now about half complete. ‘‘It’s a long, hard drive and you’ve got to be meticulous,’’ he said. ‘‘The end result will be the most professional, thorough search that’s ever been conducted.’’
The site being excavated between Granton and New Norfolk in the Lucille Butterworth murder investigation.
POLICE are yet to unearth any trace of Lucille Butterworth in wetlands north-west of Hobart, but say they will not give up hope.
Forensic officers last week began excavating a site alongside the Lyell Highway, between Granton and New Norfolk.
Investigators believe Ms Butterworth was murdered in August 1969, and say there is credible evidence to suggest her body was dumped at the site.
Officers have levelled a disused, overgrown car park near where they believe her body lies, and have started clearing thick vegetation surrounding the area.
Inspector David Plumpton said the excavation should still be finished within a fortnight, despite two complications.
Investigators early last week received information that the area beyond the car park, towards the Derwent River, was once an illegal tip.
Larger machinery has since been brought in to clear away the landfill.
Following this discovery, unusually high tides swept some of the site unexpectedly for about three days.
Fire service equipment was used to pump away the water, and officers have since been required to replace any dirt that they dig up.
Inspector Plumpton said both complications had added time to the task, but police were prepared to continue for as long as it may take.
‘‘We’re really happy with the progress but are of course still hoping to find some remains,’’ Inspector Plumpton said.
‘‘We’re still of a view that if Lucille’s remains are there we will find them, and the chances of us missing anything are absolutely minimal.’’
Inspector Plumpton said officers had discovered animal bones, but no human bones or any of Ms Butterworth’s personal effects.
He said the excavation was now about half complete.
‘‘It’s a long, hard drive and you’ve got to be meticulous,’’ he said.
‘‘The end result will be the most professional, thorough search that’s ever been conducted.’’
