A Whitsunday woman, who had been living in Mexico for the past nine years, was reported missing last week when her two-year daughter was found alone outside a church in Cancun, her mother nowhere to be found.
Tahnee Shanks, a 32-year-old Conway woman, had been travelling the world for several years until she found a home in Mexico with partner Jorge Aguirre Estudillo.
The couple separated a year ago and Tahnee had plans to return to Australia with her daughter Adelynn, but unfortunately just six weeks before they were due to depart, she went missing in suspicious circumstances.
It is understood that Tahnee had been on holiday with Jorge and their daughter, travelling from their hometown of Merida to a tourist hot spot but had somehow diverted to Cancun where their Adelynn was found alone.
The couple have been missing since May 3 and police are now investigating a burnt-out car that matches their number plates which was found in Puerto Morelos, 40 minutes south of Cancun, on the same day.
Jorge Estudillo is of interest to police; he was deported from the United States for attacking a police officer and has been subject to multiple domestic violence complaints from other women.
Tahnee’s brother, Ben Shanks, who lives in Mackay, said he has grave fears for his sister’s wellbeing because she would never want to be away from her daughter and it is uncharacteristic for her to be off social media for such a long period of time.
Just days after Tahnee’s disappearance, Ben travelled to Mexico with his mother Leanne and was immediately united with his niece.
The Australian Embassy had organised an Australian passport for Adelynn and once other official documents were confirmed, they returned to Australia where they will look after the young girl.
Family friend, Ella Stower, set up a GoFundMe page for the family to assist with travel expenses and hopefully find Tahnee.
Over $30,000 has now been donated and the family left the following message.
“The Shanks family would like to express our deepest thanks to every kind donation and please know that each one has been acknowledged and appreciated from the bottom of our hearts.”
Caption:
Tahnee Shanks and daughter Adelynn in happier times
Tahnee’s mum Leanne and brother Ben, united with ‘Addy’ in Mexico
