Missing schoolgirl family shattered by jury verdict
In a tearful statement on behalf of Quanne’s family after the verdict, her cousin Christine Woo said they were “still trying to process the words ‘not guilty’”.
“We wanted justice for Quanne and we haven’t got that,” she said.
“The past 21 years have deeply affected us. No one should have to go through the pain we have endured.
“The worst part is Quanne’s body has never been found.
“We haven’t been able to lay her to rest and give her the dignity she deserves.
“Someone out there knows where she is and to that person – you have shattered our family.
“Quanne was a beautiful 12-year-old girl. We miss her and think about her every day. Thank you to the community for their support and the police for all their work.”
The Diec family has been living in limbo since July 27, 1998, when the 12-year-old vanished while walking from her home to the nearby train station on her way to school.
Mr Tarantino was charged with her murder in November 2016 after he gave, what he later told the court, was a false confession to detectives from Strike Force Lyndey which was formed to investigate the cold case.
Despite extensive investigations, including bushland searches, Quanne’s body has never been found.
While not commenting on the NSW Supreme Court verdict, NSW Police made a statement acknowledging the “diligent work of Strike Force Lyndey detectives throughout the investigation”.
“Detectives remain committed to finding Quanne and providing answers to her family,” a police spokesperson said.
