Year of birth: 1988
Height: 160cm
Build: Slim
Eyes: Hazel
Hair: Brown
Complexion: Fair
Gender: Female
Distinguishing Feature:
Circumstances: Helen is described as 20 years of age, 160 centimetres tall and of slim build. She was last seen on 23 July 2008 and she was observed wearing a long sleeve light blue cotton top and dark black slacks, trousers and black slip on shoes. Helen was last seen near south Burnie beach, but has not been in touch with her two year old son and family since last Wednesday the 23rd of July 2008
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Inquest into Tasmanian mother's fate
From: AAP January 27, 2011 news.com.au
THE Tasmanian coroner will investigate the disappearance of a young mother last seen in the state's north two-and-a-half years ago.
Helen Karel Munnings, of Burnie, also known as Helen Black, was last seen in South Burnie in July 2008 when she was aged 20.She was due to pick up her two-year-old from child care but failed to arrive and has not contacted the boy or relatives since.
Her disappearance sparked an intensive air and ground search along the beach at South Burnie.
A coronial investigation will be held into Ms Munnings' disappearance, it was announced on Thursday.
A date has not been set, but it is envisaged that the inquest will start later this year and hear evidence for about two weeks, a statement from the coroner's office said.
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Munnings' mum wants Burnie detectives sacked
THE case of missing Burnie mum Helen Munnings will soon go to the Coroner, about two years after she vanished.
Ms Munnings, then 20, was last seen on July 23, 2008, in Burnie.
Her family believes she was murdered by a particular person.
Her mother, Karel Black, wants Burnie detectives sacked over their handling of the case.
"What good are they?" she asked this week.
The Coroner has power to summon people to any hearing, supported by the possibility of arrest warrants and/or extradition from interstate if required.
Police, who are continuing a two-year investigation, believe Ms Munnings is dead, possibly at the hands of another.
Detective Sergeant Richard Chugg said: "The views of Mrs Black are hers to make.
"As the community would expect, Tasmania Police are committed to determining the whereabouts or the circumstances of the disappearance of Helen Munnings and will continue to actively work to do so."
He said the file would be provided to the Coroner at a date suitable to the Coroner after the two-year anniversary of Ms Munnings' disappearance.
"This is to ensure that the full benefit of renewed public attention that an anniversary in such a case tends to lead to can be fully explored in terms of new information that may be received.
"The matter is being prepared for the Coroner, who, by virtue of his office, has several roles, one of which is the ability to look into the circumstances surrounding missing persons such as Helen."
Mrs Black said police had not done anything about various allegations the family had made to police.
She said the CIB had also given out "unsubstantiated information", being that Ms Munnings had been dropped off and was last seen outside the Burnie paper mill.
Det-Sgt Chugg said the investigation had been unable to confirm or disprove that account of events.
He said police were continuing to investigate any information received and again called for help from the public.
A $100,000 reward is on offer for information that could determine Ms Munnings' whereabouts or the circumstances surrounding her disappearance.
Anyone with relevant information is asked to contact Burnie CIB on 6434 5291 or CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000.
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Ms Munnings, then 20, was last seen on July 23, 2008, in Burnie.
Her family believes she was murdered by a particular person.
Her mother, Karel Black, wants Burnie detectives sacked over their handling of the case.
"What good are they?" she asked this week.
The Coroner has power to summon people to any hearing, supported by the possibility of arrest warrants and/or extradition from interstate if required.
Police, who are continuing a two-year investigation, believe Ms Munnings is dead, possibly at the hands of another.
Detective Sergeant Richard Chugg said: "The views of Mrs Black are hers to make.
"As the community would expect, Tasmania Police are committed to determining the whereabouts or the circumstances of the disappearance of Helen Munnings and will continue to actively work to do so."
He said the file would be provided to the Coroner at a date suitable to the Coroner after the two-year anniversary of Ms Munnings' disappearance.
"This is to ensure that the full benefit of renewed public attention that an anniversary in such a case tends to lead to can be fully explored in terms of new information that may be received.
"The matter is being prepared for the Coroner, who, by virtue of his office, has several roles, one of which is the ability to look into the circumstances surrounding missing persons such as Helen."
Mrs Black said police had not done anything about various allegations the family had made to police.
She said the CIB had also given out "unsubstantiated information", being that Ms Munnings had been dropped off and was last seen outside the Burnie paper mill.
Det-Sgt Chugg said the investigation had been unable to confirm or disprove that account of events.
He said police were continuing to investigate any information received and again called for help from the public.
A $100,000 reward is on offer for information that could determine Ms Munnings' whereabouts or the circumstances surrounding her disappearance.
Anyone with relevant information is asked to contact Burnie CIB on 6434 5291 or CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000.
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