Peter Cecil hopes a police decision to reopen the investigation into the death of his daughter 28 years ago will finally bring his family closure.
As reported by Star Weekly, Alana Cecil was 16-years-old when she was found dead at a vacant house on the corner of Barrys and Stations roads in Melton on November 10, 1996.
She died of an apparent drug overdose.
There were drugs in Alana’s system and needle marks in both arms but a later autopsy report showed she hadn’t had drugs for three months beforehand. DNA from two men was found on and in Alana.
Police at the time said they didn’t think her death was suspicious, but that didn’t sit well with Peter.
Since the day Peter lost his beloved daughter, he has dedicated his life to find out what happened to his girl.
There have been two coroner’s inquests and others delayed and postponed, which left the family with no answers and feeling that the system had failed them. The first inquest gave an open finding, which remains today.
Last year, Peter shared Alana’s story with New Zealand-based podcaster Ryan Wolf in the hope of finding answers.
He was recently given renewed hope that his questions would be answered when Victoria Police reopened the investigation into Alana’s death.
Peter said he has mixed emotions about the latest investigation.
“I feel positive, but it’s been explained to me that all stops are out in terms of a thorough investigation,” he said.
Peter said sharing Alana’s story with Ryan had been incredibly helpful. He credits Ryan with turning up new evidence.
He said there’s a very big number of people who are aware of Alana’s case and he hopes the authorities will be very careful about the investigation and be accountable.
“The family is desperate for the answers,” he said.
“I love my daughter. If she was here, she’d be fighting for herself.
“It’s been so long so nothing is guaranteed and I understand that, the family just wants closure, and a proper chance to grieve.”
