Police resume search for missing Melbourne mother Ju ‘Kelly’ Zhang following anonymous call
Ju "Kelly" Zhang has not been seen since February 1. Photo: ABC/Victoria Police
A search of multiple sites in Melbourne’s north has failed to uncover the body of missing mother Ju “Kelly” Zhang.
Ms Zhang, the mother of an eight-year-old boy, has not been seen since leaving her Epping home on February 1.
Police scoured bushland at Darebin Creek west of Sheehan Road in Heidelberg West on Monday, as well as parts of Ivanhoe’s Sparkes and Napier Waller reserves.
Detective Inspector Andrew Stamper said teams hadn’t found any new evidence during Monday’s search.
“It was very important to eliminate this area today and the area earlier this morning,” he told reporters at Ivanhoe.
But due to the parklands’ vast size, Mr Stamper admitted parts of the area could remain unsearched.
The Missing Persons Squad is now turning its attention to a Heidelberg West industrial estate off Waterdale Road.
Police are calling for businesses in the area with CCTV footage from the night Ms Zhang went missing to make contact with Crime Stoppers or their local station if they haven’t already been approached.
They have also renewed their appeal for an anonymous caller to Crime Stoppers last week to make contact again.
The caller provided details on the 33-year-old’s case and detectives are seeking more information.
Ms Zhang was wearing a pink nightgown and possibly pink slippers when she was last seen.
“Our firm belief is that Kelly was murdered on that night,” Det Insp Stamper said.
“Unfortunately, we still don’t know where she is.”
Ms Zhang was in a relationship with Doncaster man Joon Seong Tan, 35, who was arrested at Melbourne Airport on February 10 after he allegedly tried to leave the country.
He was charged with murder on February 11 and will face court again on July 16.
Detective Inspector Stamper said frustrated police were desperate to provide answers to Ms Zhang’s China-based family.
“The tyranny of distance and communications – particularly with the state of the world at the moment, not being able to travel to here to assist – would be heartbreaking no doubt,” he said.
No other searches are planned in the immediate future, with police hopeful Monday’s efforts will prompt a fresh lead.
“It’s probably important now to go back, consolidate,” Mr Stamper said.
“There is still a lot of evidence that we need to review and then we’ll make a decision from there as to what the next move is.”