Anne Cecille Zappelli
A young beauty queen's life was brutally cut short after a night at the drive-in, leaving a small town in fear and a killer at large for over 55 years.
Anne Cecille Zappelli was a 20-year-old woman from Morawa, a small town in Western Australia. She was a popular and well-regarded individual who worked at the local post office. In September 1969, she traveled to Geraldton to sit for postal examinations.
On the evening of September 22, 1969, Anne went to the Oasis Drive-in with her roommate and two male friends. She left the drive-in alone before the movie ended, around 11:00 pm, and was last seen walking down Rowe Street. She was reported missing the next morning.
On September 24, 1969, Anne's body was discovered in a vacant lot off Rowe Street. She had been raped and murdered. A post-mortem examination revealed she was likely killed shortly after leaving the drive-in. The investigation into her murder has been ongoing for decades, with new DNA technology being used to test evidence from the crime scene. Despite a deathbed confession from a former suspect, no one has ever been charged with her murder.
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Upgrade MembershipArrival in Geraldton
Anne Zappelli travels to Geraldton to sit for postal examinations.
Night of the Murder
Anne Zappelli goes to the Oasis Drive-in with friends and is last seen walking home alone.
Reported Missing
Anne Zappelli is reported missing by her roommate.
Body Discovered
Anne Zappelli's body is found in a vacant lot in Geraldton.
Inquest Held
A coronial inquest into the murder of Anne Zappelli is held.
Case Reopened
The West Australian Police reopen the investigation into Anne Zappelli's murder, citing new DNA technology.
Reward Announced
The Western Australian Government announces a $1 million reward for information leading to a conviction in the murder of Anne Zappelli.
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