Australia Australia - Chantal Barnett, 27, Robert Martinez (dec'd) Rockhampton, Qld, March 2013

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nursebeeme

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Wow.. I could not find a thread on this case! There is a LOT of info so we will have to play catch up. I will put some basics and then the breaking news.

little background:

← Armed robbery, Waterford WestUpdate – disturbance, Coolangatta →
Police conduct fresh search as a result of recent information in case of missing pair
June 19, 2013 at 9:33 am
Following recent information received by police, a search will be conducted today by members of the State Emergency Service around Mt Morgan, Rockhampton as part of the investigation into the disappearance of Robert Martinez and Chantal Barnett.

“As a result of this information we are conducting a new search of this location,” Detective Senior Sergeant Scott Moon of the Rockhampton Criminal Investigation Branch said.

Robert Martinez, 26 and Chantal Barnett, 27 were last seen in the Rockhampton/Yeppoon areas in late February or early March.

Concerns were raised after the pair failed to make contact with family or friends.

Rockhampton CIB and members of the Homicide Investigation Group continue to investigate the couple’s disappearance and while they are pleased with information received from the public, they are still encouraging anyone with information to come forward.

http://mypolice.qld.gov.au/blog/201...f-recent-information-in-case-of-missing-pair/

http://mypolice.qld.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/rockymp.jpg


car was seized in june

http://www.themorningbulletin.com.au/news/search-in-bushland/1914437/


Robert's wallet was found in April
http://www.themorningbulletin.com.a...-martinez-wallet-found-at-gavial-crk/1825628/

help find facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/RobertandChantal


today's developments: crime scene tent set up at a home:

THE search net for a missing Rockhampton pair appears to have shifted to a Berserker home.

Rockhampton police officers have set up a crime scene at a North Rockhampton unit in Tomkys St, but yesterday no one could confirm whether the scene was connected to missing pair Robert Martinez and Chantal Barnett.

A police media spokeswoman yesterday told The Morning Bulletin police had set up a forensic routine operation, to examine the unit, in relation to a missing persons case in Rockhampton.

http://www.themorningbulletin.com.au/news/crime-scene-established/2000364/

http://media2.apnonline.com.au/img/...CORD_01_ROK270813apolice1_fct989x601_t460.jpg
 
This case featured on Wanted tonight.

The good news is that the detectives in that area are excellent at solving homicides ... this particular team have solved 50 out of 50 homicide cases.

But it certainly sounds grim for Robert and Chantelle. Where the car and wallet were dumped is near to croc-infested waters - which the police have sonared and dived in their many searches.

It is being investigated as a murder, and police say that they know they have spoken with the perpetrator among the 230 people they have spoken with. The host of Wanted actually said that they know who killed them. They need more info.
 
#Breaking Police believe Queensland couple Robert Martinez & Chantal Barnett were murdered 7 months ago. Homicide squad has been called in.

Marissa Calligeros (@marissa_sc)
10/09/13 12:44 PM
 
My Police Rockhampton

Update: Operation Lima Glitter, Rockhampton
September 10, 2013 at 11:35 am

Police investigating the disappearance of Robert Martinez and Chantal Barnett as part of Operation Lima Glitter are now treating the deaths as a double homicide.

Detective Senior Sergeant Scott Moon, Officer in Charge of the Rockhampton Criminal Investigation Branch said police are urging members of the public with information relating to this case to come forward.

“As we take this investigation through to a new phase, we will continue to work closely with the Homicide Investigation Group,” he said.

“So far, we have received a lot of assistance from the public and we would like to renew our appeal for anybody who may know something about the deaths of Robert Martinez and Chantal Barnett to contact Crime Stoppers.”
http://mypolice.qld.gov.au/rockhampton/2013/09/10/update-operation-lima-glitter-rockhampton/
 
Qld police suspect double murder in missing Rockhampton house-mates case

BY PAUL ROBINSON
UPDATED 8 MIN AGO

Senior Sergeant Scott Moon from Rockhampton CIB says police now believe they are no longer alive.

"Robert and Chantel have failed to contact their family, have not accessed bank accounts, and haven't used mobile phones etc," he said.

"That, combined with a number of other factors, now have led us to draw the conclusion we're now conducting a double murder investigation."

Police say they may have already spoken to the person responsible for killing the two.

Senior Sergeant Moon says police are investigating a possible link to drugs.

"It's no secret that Robert and Chantel had fallen victim - for want of a better word - to the drug world, and certainly it's something that we have investigated," he said.

"As I say again we believe we've spoken to the person or persons responsible for their suspected murders."
http://mobile.abc.net.au/news/2013-..._Online&utm_content=news&utm_source=RoamMedia
 
I cant believe this is the first I have heard of this case. It sounds like things are happening though. I hope there is closure soon for these families. Prayers and thoughts are with them.

Robert Martinez, 26, and Chantal Barnett, 27, have not been seen since March 1, when Mr Martinez left his family home with $1000 in his wallet.

The wallet was found weeks later near Martinez's car, which was abandoned with smashed windows on the side of the road near Gavial Creek, south of Rockhampton.

Police were understood to be examining the couple's involvement in drug use, including amphetamines and cannabis, The Sunday Mail reported in May.

Martinez's family, who feared his disappearance was related to drugs, revealed a ring belonging to him had been discovered on another man's hand and given to police.

http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/...tt-were-murdered/story-fnihsrf2-1226716025360
 
It was interesting that the police said the investigation turned from a missing persons case to a homicide investigation due to a lack of "proof of life" data. (From the Wanted show)
Is Beserker an area? Sometimes we have all lived in Beserker houses I guess.
 
From this old link from June, it seems that police know who smashed Robert's car, and they know of a suspicious car in the area. They probably just need more info to tie everything together. Perhaps the locals are keeping quiet out of fear - sometimes areas where everybody knows everybody are the hardest places to get people to talk.


"Mr Martinez's car was found about two weeks later with smashed windows, parked on the side of the road near Gavial Creek."

"Snr Sgt Moon said a person had come forward to police about damaging the car."

"We are also seeking information about a silver sedan seen in the Tipperary Rd area of Mt Morgan around the time of their disappearance in early March."

http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/...-chantal-barnett/story-fnihsrf2-1226666199541
 
Stoney Creek is a camping spot which is fairly secluded.

Camping
Camping is permitted at three places in Byfield State Forest: Upper Stony, Red Rock and Water Park Creek camping areas. A camping permit is required and fees apply.

Byfield camping permits can only be issued for a maximum of seven consecutive nights and are only valid for the number of people and the specific camp site you have booked.
http://www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/parks/byfield-forest/about.html

From QPS

Police are particularly keen to speak to anyone who may have noticed any suspicious activity in the Stoney Creek Road and Byfield areas around March 2, 2013. Investigators are also seeking assistance regarding the clothing (pictured).

“Should anyone have any information relating to the clothing, it is vital they come forward to us to help us determine its importance or help us discount it from our investigation,” he said.

http://mypolice.qld.gov.au/rockhamp...-clothing-located-in-search-for-missing-pair/
 
This attachment shows the areas that the police have been searching, for those that are unfamiliar with the area (as I am). Certainly a vast, unpopulated area to search .. filled with many crocs, I’m sure.

https://maps.google.com.au/maps?sad...e=-24.05094978,150.625753,98297.79,0,44.137,0


I sure wish someone would give the police a hand.

“ … however we once again strongly encourage anyone with information in the community to find the courage and come forward to police or call Crime Stoppers,” Detective Senior Sergeant Scott Moon, Officer in Charge, Rockhampton CIB said.”

http://mypolice.qld.gov.au/rockhamp...-clothing-located-in-search-for-missing-pair/
 

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