In a devastating blow to a grieving family, charges against a man accused of involvement in the suspected murder of Pauline Sowry have been dropped, leaving her son Jason Lawrence feeling trapped in a personal hell. The decision by prosecutors to withdraw all charges against 64-year-old Leon Andus Antonius Boeyen on January 28 has extinguished hopes for closure in a case that has haunted the Illawarra region for over three decades.
Three Decades of Uncertainty
Pauline Sowry was just 49 years old when she vanished after having lunch with her son Jason at a Warrawong pub in December 1993. The mother of three was officially declared missing, with police later treating her disappearance as a suspected murder in 1994. For 31 years, her family has lived with unanswered questions about her fate.
"I'm in hell. I feel like I'm the one that's in the prison, I feel like I'm the one that's done the crime," Jason Lawrence told the Illawarra Mercury moments after learning charges had been dropped against the only person ever charged in connection with his mother's case.
Recent Developments and Disappointment
The case saw renewed activity in recent years when a new witness came forward with information that led police to conduct searches in rugged Figtree bushland during 2023 and 2024. During these searches, investigators discovered buried clothing they believed Pauline had worn.
This breakthrough culminated in the arrest of Leon Andus Antonius Boeyen at Gwynneville in May 2025. He was charged with accessory after the fact to murder and concealing a serious indictable offence. However, after multiple court appearances, prosecutors withdrew all charges, allowing Boeyen to walk free.
"We thought that we were coming towards the end of it, now we're no closer to finding what's really taken place in my mum's disappearance or murder," Lawrence said, his voice filled with raw emotion. "I'm angry, I'm really angry because I felt I've been let down. It's a huge disappointment, it's devastation, it's a massive blow."
Family Tragedy Compounded
The pain of Pauline's disappearance has already taken a terrible toll on the Sowry family. Jason was just 24 when his mother vanished, while his brothers Paul and Adam were 27 and 18 respectively. The struggle became too much for both brothers, who tragically died by suicide in the intervening years.
Jason Lawrence now has four children of his own, and his daughter Jacinta often reminds him of his mother. "When I last saw my mum I had just got married and was yet to have children," he recalled. "I was just starting with life and my mum has missed out on it all."
Police Investigation Continues
Despite the setback, NSW Police have confirmed that investigations into Pauline Sowry's disappearance and suspected murder will continue. A police spokeswoman stated that authorities are aware of the Director of Public Prosecutions' decision to drop charges under Strike Force Anthea, which was established in 2022 to re-examine the circumstances surrounding Pauline's disappearance.
Lawrence praised the dedication of police involved in the case, particularly Detective Senior Constable Scott Nicholls from the homicide squad. "He has done nothing but an outstanding job and has been completely dedicated to this," Lawrence said. "The NSW Police, they've worked tirelessly, they've worked so hard ... to get a result and an outcome."
A Plea for Information
As the investigation continues, Jason Lawrence has made an emotional plea for anyone with information to come forward. "Someone knows something," he said, emphasizing that even the smallest detail could prove crucial.
Pauline Sowry, who had recently been divorced and was also known by her married name Pauline Lawrence, was described as a cat lover who was beginning a new chapter in her life when she disappeared. Her family continues to hold dear their last memories of her, particularly that final lunch in Warrawong where they discussed her recent divorce and fresh start.
"I'll continue on fighting and staying strong and my mum would only want me to continue on," Lawrence vowed, demonstrating remarkable resilience despite his profound grief.
Anyone with information about Pauline Sowry's suspicious disappearance is urged to contact Wollongong Police Station on 4226 7899 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000.
