Inquest into the Suspected death of Julie CUTLER

22y · Female·unknown

Julie Leanne Cutler, a 22-year-old woman, disappeared on 20 June 1988 after leaving a work function at Perth's Parmelia Hotel. Her car was found two days later in the ocean at Cottesloe Beach, empty of any body or personal effects. After extensive police investigation spanning over three decades, including a thorough cold case review, her cause and manner of death remain undetermined. The coroner found convincing evidence supporting both suicide and homicide hypotheses. While family and friends universally rejected suicide as inconsistent with Julie's character, noting she would likely leave a note given her eloquent writing ability, compelling evidence exists of recent emotional distress. Julie had recently struggled with cancelled course enrolment and uncertain romantic circumstances, made concerning statements to colleagues about wanting to kill herself, and sent troubling correspondence. Her car's location at her beloved Cottesloe Beach, combined with a 1986 student film depicting identical circumstances, added complexity. No witness came forward definitively, and potential suspects could not be ruled in or out conclusively.