Damon Mcknight
In March 2024, the body of a missing 6-year-old girl, Airlie Montgomery, was found in the Shoalhaven River in Nowra, Australia, several hours after she was reported missing. In a separate incident in November 2021, 4-year-old Cleo Smith was found alive and well in a locked house in Carnarvon, Western Australia, 18 days after she went missing from a campsite.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Cleo Smith |
| Age | 4 |
| Date of Disappearance | 16 October 2021 |
| Time Missing | 18 days |
| Location | Carnarvon, Western Australia |
| Location Type | Remote campsite |
| Distance from Home | 62-900 km |
| Search Area | 560 miles |
| Search Team | 100 police officers |
| Search Methods | Human intelligence, surveillance footage, forensic analysis, ground search |
| Outcome | Found alive and well |
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What You'll Learn
Who is Cleo Smith?
Cleo Smith is a young Australian girl who was abducted in October 2021. She was four years old at the time of her disappearance. Cleo was last seen by her mother in the middle of the night, when she woke up and asked for a glass of water. The next morning, her mother discovered that Cleo and her sleeping bag were missing, and the tent door was open.
Cleo was found 18 days later, alive and well, in a locked house in Carnarvon, a coastal community in Western Australia. The house was located just a few minutes' drive from her family home. Cleo was reunited with her parents, who had made desperate pleas for her return.
The abductor, 36-year-old Terence Darrell Kelly, was taken into custody after a car he was driving was stopped by police. Kelly was subsequently jailed for 13 years for abducting Cleo. He pleaded guilty to one count of child stealing but did not enter a plea on a charge of assaulting a public officer.
The rescue of Cleo Smith was met with widespread relief and joy in Australia and attracted media interest worldwide. Police Commissioner Chris Dawson called the day of her discovery "one of the most remarkable days in policing in Western Australia".
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Where was she found?
The body of Airlie Montgomery, a 6-year-old girl who went missing in North Nowra, Australia, was discovered in the bushland in the North Nowra area. She was found in the Shoalhaven River, below the Grotto Walk, a popular trail. Flowers were left in tribute to Airlie at the entrance of the Grotto Reserve where she was found.
Cleo Smith, a 4-year-old girl who went missing from her family's tent at a campsite in Western Australia, was found alive and well in a locked house in the coastal town of Carnarvon, about 30 miles from the campsite. Police body camera footage showed the moment Cleo was rescued and asked her name, to which she replied, "My name is Cleo."
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Who found her?
Four-year-old Cleo Smith was found by a team of four police officers, including Senior Sergeant Cameron Blaine, who was one of the rescuers. Cleo was found in a locked house in the coastal town of Carnarvon, Western Australia, a short drive from where she was last seen. Police body camera footage captured the moment Cleo was rescued.
Cleo was reported missing after she disappeared from her family's tent in the early hours of October 16, 2021, at the Blowholes Shacks campsite in Macleod, about 900 km (560 miles) north of Perth, Western Australia. Police suspected she had been abducted, and a frantic air, sea, and ground search involving 100 officers and scores of volunteers ensued. A $1 million reward was offered for any information leading to her whereabouts.
In another case, the body of six-year-old Airlie Montgomery was found in bushland in the North Nowra area of New South Wales, Australia. Airlie was found in the Shoalhaven River, below the Grotto Walk, a popular trail, not long after she was reported missing on March 16.
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What happened to Cleo?
Cleo Smith, a four-year-old girl, went missing from her family's tent at a campsite near the town of Carnarvon, Western Australia, on 16 October 2021. The site, known as the Quobba Blowholes camping ground, is located in a remote area about 900 kilometres (560 miles) north of Perth and is known for its ocean scenery, sea caves, and lagoons. Cleo was last seen sleeping in a red and black sleeping bag, wearing a pink/purple one-piece sleep suit with a blue and yellow pattern.
The disappearance of Cleo sparked a massive search operation, with police suspecting an abduction due to the position of a zipper on the tent flap being too high for her to reach. The Western Australia government offered a reward of 1 million Australian dollars ($743,000 - $750,000) for information leading to Cleo's discovery, and volunteers joined the effort by distributing stickers, flyers, and posters featuring Cleo's face.
After an extensive 18-day search, Cleo was found alive and well in a locked house in Carnarvon, about six minutes' drive from her family home. Police broke into the house and found Cleo alone in one of the rooms. A 36-year-old man with no connection to the family was taken into custody in relation to the disappearance, but no charges have been laid.
Following her rescue, Cleo was reunited with her mother, Ellie Smith, and stepfather, Jake Gliddon. Ellie Smith expressed her relief on social media, saying, "Our family is whole again." The Western Australia Police Deputy Commissioner, Col Blanch, shared the heartwarming moment when one of the officers picked up Cleo and asked her, "What's your name?" to which she replied, "My name is Cleo."
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What happens next?
Four-year-old Cleo Smith was found alive and well in a locked house in Carnarvon, Australia, on 3 November 2021, 18 days after she went missing. A 36-year-old man with no connection to her family was taken into custody and the house was declared a forensic scene.
So, what happens next?
The Investigation Continues
Police will continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Cleo's disappearance and abduction. They will gather evidence from the house where she was found, including any forensic clues, and interview the man in custody to determine his involvement in the case.
Charges and Prosecution
If the evidence gathered is sufficient, charges will be laid against the man in custody, and he will face prosecution for any crimes related to Cleo's abduction. The prosecution will present their case, including any evidence and witness testimonies, to the court.
Support and Recovery for Cleo and Her Family
Cleo and her family will receive ongoing support to help them recover from the trauma of the abduction. This may include psychological counselling and therapy to process any emotional or mental health issues arising from the experience. Cleo's well-being will be a priority, and efforts will be made to protect her privacy and allow her to return to a sense of normalcy.
Community Impact and Awareness
The impact of Cleo's disappearance and successful rescue will be felt throughout the community. There may be increased awareness and discussions about child safety and abduction prevention. Local residents may feel a sense of relief and unity, and there could be further expressions of support and celebration for Cleo's safe return.
Recognition for the Police and Search Efforts
The Western Australia Police Force will receive recognition and appreciation for their tireless efforts in searching for Cleo and bringing her home safely. The successful outcome will be attributed to their dedication, persistence, and effective investigative work, including the use of forensic leads and community assistance.
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Frequently asked questions
Cleo Smith is a 4-year-old girl who was abducted from her family's tent at a campsite in Western Australia in October 2021. She was found alive and well 18 days later in a locked house in the town of Carnarvon.
Cleo Smith disappeared while sleeping in her family's tent at a campsite in Western Australia. Her sleeping bag was also missing, and the zip on the tent was at a height too high for her to reach, suggesting that she had been abducted.
Cleo Smith was found by police officers who broke into a locked house in the town of Carnarvon, about 900km north of Perth. A 36-year-old man with no connection to her family was taken into custody in relation to her disappearance.
