Fugitive cold case murder suspect Keith Lees caught buying new clothes on CCTV

Police believe a man wanted in relation to a 1997 cold case death could be seeking casual work in farming or fruit picking after he was caught on CCTV purchasing new clothes.

Keith Lees' car was found abandoned in Portland, Victoria, in late June, a day after he gave a false name to police and two days before the announcement of a $500,000 reward for information on the murder of Meaghan Louise Rose in Queensland.

Rose's body was found at the base of Point Cartwright cliffs in Mooloolaba on the morning of July 18, 1997, when a passerby looked down after spotting a cask of wine and a glass in the grass.

READ MORE: Who is liable for space junk? It's more complicated than you think

Her death was originally treated as a suicide, although her family have always believed she was murdered.

An appeal for information last month was largely focused on Rose's relationship with her then-partner Lees, now 70, who was the last person to see the 25-year-old alive and had taken out a life insurance policy in her name.

Police are appealing for Lees to come forward but have warned the public not to approach him.

Lees was last seen at a Waurn Ponds shopping centre buying new clothes, before leaving Shepparton train station on June 27, wearing a distinctive black and white jacket.

READ MORE: 'Lifelong burden': Man jailed for causing 19-year-old's death

Police believe he could still be in Victoria but he may have travelled interstate.

Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts should immediately contact police.

Sign up here to receive our daily newsletters and breaking news alerts, sent straight to your inbox.