Murder accused in Sunshine Coast cold case avoids appearing in court

A man accused of murdering his partner more than 27 years ago and evading a multi-state manhunt has again not shown his face in court.

Keith Lees, 72, was charged two weeks ago with murdering Meaghan Louise Rose, a 25-year-old disability and aged care nursing assistant.

Rose's body was found on July 18, 1997 at the base of Point Cartwright Cliffs at Buddina on Queensland's Sunshine Coast.

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Prosecutors alleged she was killed the day before near the lighthouse on top of the cliffs.

Lees had requested to appear today via videolink in Maroochydore Magistrates Court, a short drive from the alleged crime scene.

But court documents showed he cancelled his request after speaking to his legal aid solicitor, Kylie Anderson.

Today the murder charge against Lees was mentioned in court in his absence, as happened for his Brisbane Magistrates Court mention on January 10.

Duty solicitor Jamiee Burns requested a date for prosecutors to supply a brief of evidence in the case and a date for another court mention.

"This is the first appearance in Maroochydore," Burns said.

Police prosecutor Senior Constable David Hoffmann did not oppose Burns' request.

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Magistrate Rod Madsen adjourned the matter until April 28 and ordered that Lees would not be required to appear in person on that date.

"There's no application for bail," Madsen said.

Lees was extradited to Brisbane after being arrested in a rural area northwest of Sydney.

He had allegedly been on the run from police for about 18 months after Queensland detectives travelled to Victoria in June 2023 and spoke to Lees after determining that Rose's death was suspicious in light of new information.

Lee's vehicle was found abandoned the day after speaking with detectives, and he was later spotted in Geelong and Shepparton in Victoria before being arrested in Dural in NSW on January 2.

Queensland detective Senior Sergeant Tara Kentwell previously said Lees might have been unwittingly assisted by government and charity support during his time allegedly on the run, which included living in the Northern Territory and NSW under false identities.

Readers seeking support can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or beyond blue on 1300 22 4636.

Support is available from the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service at 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).

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