A man, believed to be the former boyfriend of German backpacker Simone Strobel, has been arrested over her death on the NSW Far North Coast more than 15 years ago.
The 25-year-old school teacher was last seen at the Lismore Tourist Caravan Park on 11 February 2005, after a night out with her then-boyfriend and friends.
Her naked body was found six days later, hidden under palm fronds at a sportsground less than 100m from the caravan park.
Despite the NSW Government offering a $1 million reward for information in 2020, the case remained unsolved – until now.
Following “extensive inquiries” strike force detectives today travelled to Western Australia, where they arrested a 42-year-old man.
He faced Perth Magistrates Court this afternoon, where NSW detectives applied to have him extradited.
The man is expected to be flown to Sydney tomorrow, where he is expected to be charged with murder.
NSW Police have confirmed further information will be provided when available.
“Strike Force Howea investigators are continuing to work with their international counterparts, with investigations continuing,” NSW Police said in a statement.
