Fifty years ago Patricia Schmidt vanished walking home from work
For Frank Schmidt, Christmas always brings back painful memories of December 18, 1971.
Fifty-years-ago his older sister Patricia, who he called Susi, went to work in Adelaide and never came home.
Susi was last seen alive at 1.45am, after working her second shift at Burger King in Darlington.
Her father was running late to pick her up, so the 16-year-old started walking to her Seacliff home. Her battered body was found in grass at Hallet Cove 16 hours later.
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Patricia 'Susi' Schmidt was founded murdered fifty years ago. 9News
Frank had bought his sister a Christmas present, but she never got the chance to open it. 9News
Frank is still haunted by what happened to his sister.
"To be bashed and then raped in the way she was and strangled..." he told 9News.
"Even though I was only 10-years-old, there was a Christmas present under the tree for Susi from myself.
"She never got to open that."
Susi's body now lies with that of her mother who'd died five years earlier.
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What happened to Susi stills haunts her brother Frank. 9News
Frank's father has also since passed away, leaving him with only memories of his family.
Susi's killer has never been found, but detectives have not given up, and new DNA developments could see the case closed after decades.
It was only the teen's second shift at Burger King. She was walking home when she went missing. 9News
Retiring detective Paul Tucker spent 20 years on the case and believes the answers are out there.
"There's got to be people out there who know what's happened," he said.
"Even if they weren't the primary offender."
Edward Boyes is taking over the case and he vowed to get a answer for Frank.
"I'm excited to take on the challenge to get a result for Frank and his family," he said.
Police have revealed that they are making progress.
Susi is buried next to her mother. 9News
Biological evidence left at the scene by two men, is now being analysed using improved DNA technology.
One DNA profile's already been obtained.
"That's probably the best breakthrough we've had in 50 years," Detective superintendent Des Bray said.
"We'll then establish family trees and work our way backwards."
Police have never given up hope of finding justice for Patricia Schmidt. 9News
The DNA profile has been checked against a database and matched to eight potential relatives of the suspect.
For Frank the developments have provided some much-needed hope.
"Never give up hope," he said.
"You know, you're better of having some hope and being disappointed than no hope at all."
Anyone who can provide information about any aspect of the case is urged to contact CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000.
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