Her mother suggested she walk to a different shopping center that morning, because of a bus strike. It was the last conversation they ever had.
The Morning
On October 7, 1992, 12-year-old Rhianna Barreau, of Morphett Vale, South Australia, was planning to catch a bus to meet her mother, Paula, at a nearby shopping center to buy a Christmas card for her pen pal. That morning, Paula learned of a bus strike and suggested Rhianna instead walk to the closer Reynella shopping center, about 1.5 kilometers away. Paula kissed her daughter goodbye before leaving for work -- the last time she saw her.
The Disappearance
Rhianna is believed to have remained home until around 10:30 a.m., when she was seen leaving, walking in the direction of the shops. She never arrived, and was never seen again.
Family Context
Rhianna's parents had separated, though she remained close to both. She lived with her mother and brother, Shannon, who was away at a school camp at the time of her disappearance; she would normally have spent that school holiday with her father on the Gold Coast, but had chosen to stay home that particular break.
Where the Case Stands
More than three decades later, Rhianna has never been found and no one has been charged in connection with her disappearance. South Australian police have continued to describe the case as one that may never be solved without new information coming forward.
FAQ
Has Rhianna Barreau ever been found?
No. She remains missing more than three decades after her disappearance.
Where was Rhianna headed when she disappeared?
She was walking toward the Reynella shopping center, now known as South Gate Plaza, roughly 1.5 kilometers from her home.
Has anyone been charged in her disappearance?
No. The case remains unsolved.