Annette Deverell's family requests coronial inquest into Mandurah death 39 years ago

On October 15, Annette Deverell's sister-in-law, Renee Deverell, who is married to Annette's brother Michael, sent a letter to the State Coroner on behalf of the family, but has not yet received a response.

On September 13, coinciding with the date Annette disappeared, the Mandurah Mail released a four-part podcast, Annette: Cold Case Unlocked, which examines the local mystery.

Annette disappeared in 1980 after a night out dancing with friends.

She was last seen about midnight waiting outside the Mandurah Post Office on the corner of Sholl Street and Pinjarra Road.

Her remains were found 18 months later in bushland near Pinjarra, about a 30-minute drive from where she was last seen.

The people responsible for Annette's death have never been charged.

The State Coroner is responsible for making findings in relation to the death of a person and has the power to conduct an inquest, which can give the family much-needed answers, including information on suspects and the investigative steps officers made to solve the case.

In the letter, Renee said the family is "in despair" wondering what happened to their daughter and sister.

"Annette's mum, Margaret Carver, is elderly and wants to put her mind at rest, and know exactly what happened to her daughter before she passes away," she said.

"We are hoping for a coronial inquest, which could give us the answers we are after.

"It has been nearly 40 years of pain with not knowing and we need some answers."

Renee asked if evidence could be tested for DNA, including a blood-stained towel, Annette's handbag, and a gun which was found near Annette's remains.

Earlier this year, WA Police Cold Case Squad officer in charge Tony Rosenberg told the Mail police would not send the case to the coroner "while there is investigative action and work to be done".