Investigators are urging the public for information on a mystery man amid an inquest into the disappearance of a 15-year-old Sydney girl.
Katrina Bohnenkamp was last seen in October 2012 at a Strathfield boarding house. She was reported missing by her carers on November 2.
The NSW government last week announced a $500,000 reward for information leading to the conviction of persons responsible for the disappearance of Bohnenkamp.
Police are currently trying to track down a possible boyfriend to help with their investigation. In July 2012, Bohnenkamp posted a photo to Facebook of herself kissing a man who has not been located or identified. Anyone who recognises the person is urged to come forward.
A coronial inquest into Bohnenkamp’s disappearance and suspected death was opened at the NSW Coroners Court on Wednesday. In an opening statement, counsel assisting the coroner Philip Strickland, SC, said Bohnenkamp was an intelligent and much-loved teenager who “also got into a lot of trouble, trouble way beyond what most 15-year-old girls in this state experience”.
“She was the victim of serious violence, sometimes when she was in foster care. She was undoubtedly the victim of sexual assault, because she had sexual relations with adults when she was below the age of consent,” Strickland said.
“She took prohibited drugs … she lived a very unstable life, moving from place to place. She did not receive the care and protection she needed as a vulnerable 15-year-old girl.”
Bohnenkamp grew up living in foster homes, with relatives or in group homes, the ABC reported. The NSW Minister for Community Services was legally responsible for her welfare during this time.
Half-sister Jaide Simpson last week told reporters that Bohnenkamp was a “fun, hyperactive, busy and kind” person.
“It’s been horrible not having answers and not knowing what happened to her. I’ve got so many different theories,” she said.
“She had goals and things she wanted to do. For her to just disappear, it just doesn’t fit.
“I just want her home. She’s got two nephews waiting to meet her. She’s got a home to come back to.”
Last year, an investigation by the Sydney Morning Herald found that NSW Police waited eight months to put out a media release announcing that Bohnenkamp had gone missing.
Detective Inspector Christie Houldin said the delay would be one of the topics under review in the inquest.
