POLICE have re-opened an investigation into the disappearance of Devonport woman Darlene Geertsema in October of 1978 and have identified a person of interest.
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The case was initially treated as a missing person after Ms Geertsema's car, with her handbag and shoes inside, was found at Mersey Bluff 10 hours after she left the family home.
One of the early conclusions of the original investigation had been that Ms Geertsema took her own life at the Bluff and searches were conducted of the area at that time.
At the time of her disappearance, about 10.30pm on Monday, October 23, the Devonport woman was a month out from her 31st birthday.
"By re-interviewing a number of witnesses and family members around that time it's become apparent to us that there was a number of reasons or possible motives for her disappearance at the hand of another person so that's what we're looking at," Detective Inspector Kim Steven said.
The case has been under review by Devonport Criminal Investigation Branch for the last 18 months.
Kathryn Gray, Ms Geertsema's daughter from a previous relationship, and a five-year-old son, were living at the family home at 58 Best St, Devonport. Ms Gray was then eight years old.
Police have spoken with all six of Ms Geertsema's children, four of whom were with their father on the mainland in 1978.
Police are appealing for anyone who knew the family before or after the incident who can provide details about them to contact Devonport CIB or anonymously through Crimestoppers.
"While I understand it is some 37 years a go, we believe a significant incident like this, someone losing a family friend or a neighbour, it would still hopefully be in the minds of those people so we're certainly keen for those people to come forward," Detective Inspector Kim Steven said.
Investigators are currently looking to track down Ms Geertsema's red 1977 Holden Sunbird, which she drove on the night of her disappearance. The vehicle is last known to have been sold to an unknown person by a Launceston car yard in 1984 and was de-registered three years later.
The vehicle was not forensically examined during the original investigation.
"If we are able to obtain the vehicle we'll give it a full forensic examination and we get out of that what we get out of it," Detective Inspector Steven said.
"Realistically it's probably a long shot, but it's a shot we have to have a crack at."
To relay information relating to the disappearance of Ms Geertsema or her vehicle (registration AS4119) contact Devonport Criminal Investigation Branch on 6478 4036 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000.
Story originally published as New bid to solve mystery by The Advocate.