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The disappearance of Eve Askew is one of Tasmania's most haunting cold cases.
In 1991, the 14-year-old girl disappeared from her family’s home in the small town of Fitzgerald.
Her sudden disappearance has left behind nothing but unanswered questions.
As time has passed, police investigations have uncovered some clues.
However, the whereabouts of Eve Askew remain unknown, and the mystery lingers.
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| Eve Askew |
A Quiet Life in a Small Town
On the night of November 16, 1991, 14-year-old Eve Askew disappeared from her family home.
The Askews had moved to Tasmania from New South Wales in January 1989.
They were looking for a peaceful life away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
The family settled in Fitzgerald, a remote town surrounded by lush forests.
While living in Fitzgerald, they felt safe enough to leave their doors unlocked.
Eve was the second youngest of four siblings.
She was described as a shy girl with an introverted personality.
Though reserved, she enjoyed activities like bush-hiking, climbing, and wrestling with her family.
However, her quiet nature made it difficult for her to make friends outside the family.
One distinguishing feature of Eve was her thumbs.
They appeared as though they had been pushed down and had not grown back fully.
This unusual characteristic, along with her red hair and slender build, made her stand out.
The Night Eve Disappeared
November 16, 1991, was supposed to be a normal evening for the Askew family.
Eve’s parents had gone out to a church meeting, leaving Eve and her brothers at home.
Eve spent the evening in her room.
She listened to her favorite band, New Kids on the Block, while her brothers watched a movie in another part of the house.
Eve seemed to be in good spirits that day according to her family.
When her parents returned home later that night, they assumed all the children were asleep.
It wasn’t until the next morning, when Eve’s mother went to wake her up, that the family realized she was not there.
A note was found in Eve’s room, indicating she planned to run away after being grounded for smoking.
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| Police searched this Karanja house in 2012 |
A Search That Led Nowhere
The search for Eve began immediately after her disappearance was discovered.
Police scoured the dense forests surrounding Fitzgerald but they couldn't find Eve Askew.
They interviewed friends and neighbors and followed any lead they could find.
Despite their efforts, no solid evidence emerged.
Years passed, and the case grew cold.
Eve’s family was left in limbo, haunted by the uncertainty of what had happened to her.
Ten years later, in 2001, a second investigation was launched, but again, no significant evidence surfaced.
The police re-interviewed friends and neighbors, but Eve’s fate remained a mystery.
With no clues, no witnesses, and no answers, the case continued to perplex investigators.
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| Eve Askew age-enhancement |
New Technology, New Leads
In 2008, Tasmania Police introduced a new investigative tool: age-enhancement technology.
This tool was intended to help solve long-standing missing person cases, such as Eve Askew’s.
This technology was used to create a new image showing what Eve might look like at the age of 32.
It is hoped that this updated image would help jog the memories of anyone who might have seen Eve over the years.
In addition to the new image, police announced that they had identified a person of interest for the first time.
A photo-fit of a man, believed to be between 60 and 65 years old, was released to the public.
The man is believed to have been living in the New Norfolk area at the time of Eve’s disappearance.
Detectives refused to elaborate on the man's alleged role in Eve's case.
However, they confirmed that the case was now being treated as a murder investigation.
Despite this breakthrough, the man’s identity remains unknown, and the investigation is ongoing.
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| Above - image of a man Police wish to speak to about Eve's disappearance |
Theories Surrounding Eve's Disappearance
Several theories have emerged over the years regarding what might have happened to Eve.
1) Voluntary Disappearance: One theory suggests that Eve may have run away, as indicated by the note she left behind.
However, given that she never made contact with anyone afterward, this theory seems unlikely.
2) Foul Play By Stranger: Some believe that Eve may have been abducted and murdered.
They suspect the culprit was likely someone living in the area at the time.
There have been rumors that a convicted rapist abducted and killed Eve Askew.
However, no solid evidence has been found to support this claim.
3) Foul Play By Aquintance: Another theory suggests that Eve may have been killed by someone she knew.
This could have been a neighbor or acquaintance from the small town of Fitzgerald.
This theory is supported by the fact that the person of interest, identified by police in 2008, was living in the area at the time of her disappearance.
However, without more concrete evidence, it remains just a theory.
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| Jacob Askew |
A Family’s Endless Search for Justice
Eve's brother, Jacob Askew, has been vocal about his family's ongoing search for answers.
For over 30 years, Jacob has pleaded with the public to come forward with any information that could help solve his sister’s case.
He believes that Eve’s killer is still out there and has warned that the person responsible may strike again.
In a heartbreaking twist, both of Eve's parents were killed in a car accident in 1996, just five years after her disappearance.
Tragically, they died without ever knowing what happened to their daughter.
Eve also became an aunt after her disappearance, but she has never met her nieces or nephews.
A reward of $500,000 is currently being offered.
This amount is for any information at all that leads to resolving the case.
Despite the passage of time, Tasmania Police remain committed to solving this case and bringing justice to the Askew family.
If you have any information about Eve's disappearance, please contact Tasmania Police or Crime Stoppers.
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