A father missing in Victoria for several years may have met with foul play, police believe.
Rodney McKenzie disappeared from his home in rural Kinglake, about an hour northeast of Melbourne, in March 2023.
The 71-year-old was last seen by a friend who he had driven to the shops on March 5.
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McKenzie’s car, wallet and phone were later found back at his remote 8ha property but his family has not seen or heard from him since, and his bank accounts have not been accessed. His daughter eventually reported him missing on March 23.
Police are now looking into his past, saying McKenzie was known to them in relation to previous “significant” involvement with drugs, and are treating his disappearance as suspicious.
“Rodney’s disappearance is of concern to investigators, as well as his friends and family,” Detective Acting Inspector Steve Trewavas said on Wednesday.
“Initially consideration was given that he may have had a fall or a medical episode somewhere on his property as the terrain is so rugged, but a three-day search utilising all resources available to police located no trace of him.
“Sadly, at this time, we do believe Rodney has likely met with foul play.”
McKenzie’s daughter Jackie told police she became concerned when she had not heard from her father for longer than usual.
She went to check on him at his Bald Spur Rd property and found the home unlocked with all of her father’s belongings still there.
Police said McKenzie lived a secluded life on his property and was not known to leave his home often.
A search involving the Air Wing, Search and Rescue, State Emergency Services and the Country Fire Authority found no trace of McKenzie on his property or surrounding area.
Police have now said enquiries by Missing Persons Squad detectives over the past 12 months have “increasingly led them to believe that Rodney has met with foul play” and his disappearance is now being treated as suspicious.
Officers on Wednesday released CCTV footage showing one of the last times McKenzie was seen in public.
Police said McKenzie was known to them and had previously had significant involvement with drugs over the course of his life.
“This has provided detectives with a range of avenues of enquiry, and information provided as part of those enquiries that has led us to this conclusion … we are confident there are people out there who know what has happened to him,” Trewavas said.
“We are hopeful that today’s appeal leads to those people coming forward. Any information provided to detectives will be followed up thoroughly in the hope we can provide some answers for Rodney’s family.
“I encourage anyone with any information at all to speak to police, or information can be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers.”