Pauline Sowry, also known as Pauline Lawrence, was last seen by her family in December 1993 in the northern suburbs of Wollongong, and her whereabouts have remained unknown since.

Despite extensive investigations over three decades, including a coronial inquest in 2008 that concluded she likely died after an unconfirmed sighting in 1994, her body has never been found.

In 2022, the police reopened the investigation into Sowry's disappearance, establishing Strike Force Anthea to re-examine the circumstances surrounding her case.

This renewed effort led to multiple searches in March and May 2023, as well as in October 2024, which uncovered several items of clothing potentially linked to Sowry.

Notably, in October 2024, police discovered clothing items during a search of the Illawarra region, which may provide crucial clues about her final movements.

Further searches in 2023 and 2024 revealed additional clothing belonging to Sowry, intensifying the investigation.

In March 2024, the NSW government announced a $500,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction, which spurred further searches but yielded no significant leads.

On May 29, 2025, a breakthrough occurred when a 64-year-old man was arrested in connection with Sowry's disappearance, marking a significant development in this cold case.

The arrest took place at a unit in Gwynneville at approximately 8:30 am, executed by police from Strike Force Anthea.

Assistant Commissioner Joe Cassar acknowledged the persistent efforts of officers in seeking answers for Sowry's family and reaffirmed their commitment to bringing the case to court.

Sowry's son, Jason Lawrence, expressed relief and gratitude for the police's continued efforts over the decades, emphasizing the emotional toll her disappearance has had on the family.

The family has long expressed a strong desire to know what happened to Sowry, hoping for closure after years of uncertainty.