Detectives probe Lisa Mott’s disappearance 40 years on

Cold case detectives visited Collie last week to gather more information about the disappearance and suspected murder of 12-year-old Lisa Mott, who vanished from the town 40 years ago on Friday.

Special crime squad detectives manned a mobile policing facility in the hope community members would come forward with more information about Lisa’s disappearance.

The State Government announced a $1 million reward for information that helped police apprehend the person or persons behind Lisa’s suspected murder and can end “four decades of heartache for her family”.

Detective-Superintendent Rod Wilde said Lisa’s disappearance was a significant event in both Collie and WA’s history.

“It’s a 12-year-old child that we’re talking about the disappearance and suspected murder of,” Det.-Supt Wilde said.

“About 9.30pm on (October 30) 40 years ago, Lisa was at the basketball courts watching some friends play basketball ... she left the courts and hasn’t been seen since.

“Although it’s been a long time, it’s about that person that may have been close to the offender that has that information that for whatever reason hasn’t come forward.

“We know circumstances change, people’s allegiances change and $1 million is a lot of money — it’s a life-changing opportunity for someone.”

Det.-Supt Wilde said it was important for Lisa’s mother, Marion Flowers, to finally have closure.

He asked people to come forward with any possible information and to leave it to the police to judge how relevant it may be.

Ms Flowers said Lisa was a thoughtful girl with a lovely nature.

“If you are still out there Lisa somewhere, I still love you to bits,” she said.

“I can’t talk about Lisa very much as it still hurts too much, I have to stay in the present.

“My only hope is after all this time that somebody is still alive that might know something.”