24/08/2026
Queensland
Gin Gin
Missing But Not Forgotten π
Rebecca Richardson
Shine The Light Missing Persons Australia Inc
We were asked to highlight Rebecca's case, Rebecca has been Missing since 1998 and her body has never been recovered
In the little town of Gin Gin the young 15 year old girl who was much loved and described as always bubbly and fun to be around.
Rebecca was last seen alive attending a santa fair in Gin Gin, Qld in 1998.
Rebecca's father had recently died, leaving her and her younger sister in the care of friends, including a man who would later be jailed for his role in her death.
Rebecca had been due to fly to England the following day to be with family, and she had a ticket to fly out to London.
It is alledged that her friends became concerned when Rebecca failed to turn up for a party she had planned to attend.
At the time Rebecca went missing, she was staying with friends and she was going there to get the key to her father's house as she needed to get a few belongings from her house, but said she never made it.
Jodie Martin Stephen Van Der Vegt pleaded guilty to being an accessory after the fact and was sentenced to eight years' imprisonment on September 23, 2002.
The sentencing judge recommended that he be considered for post-prison community-based release after two years and eight months.
The attorney-general at the time, Paul De Jersey, appealed the early release on the grounds it was manifestly inadequate.
The Chief Justice granted the appeal, with parole to be considered after serving four years.
During court proceedings, Van Der Vegt admitted to helping dispose of Rebecca's body.
He was also found to have given false information to the deceased girl's friends
and lying to police for more than two-and-a-half years, including suggesting Rebecca was still alive.
Van Der Vegt's wife initially protected him but later turned him in, telling police he told her he had witnessed the murder and helped bury the body at a local dump.
With such callus disregard for someone's loved one.
Rebecca's body has never been found.
Rebecca's loved ones would like nothing more then to give their daughter and sister a respectful resting place
At the time of Rebecca's
disappearance, Rebecca was much loved in the Gin Gin township and her murder hit residents
Help us
β¨οΈShine The Lightβ¨ οΈon Rebecca's story and most importantly if you have any information come forward and report.
Freecall Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000
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