Sally Grace Contarino, a 28-year-old Australian woman visiting Las Vegas, sent what witnesses and family members describe as a chilling final message before her disappearance nearly three weeks ago, according to law enforcement officials familiar with the investigation.
The text message, which authorities have declined to publicly disclose in full, reportedly expressed fear for her safety and included details that have now become central to the ongoing probe, sources confirmed.
Contarino had been traveling alone through Nevada on what was described as a vacation when she stopped communicating with family members around late June, the sources said. Her last known contact came via the text message that has since drawn significant attention from investigators.
Background
Contarino, originally from Melbourne, Australia, had been documenting her solo trip across the American Southwest on social media before her disappearance, according to posts reviewed by CrimeBytes. Friends and family in Australia reported growing concerned when she stopped responding to messages approximately three weeks ago.
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department confirmed they are investigating her disappearance as a missing persons case, though officials have declined to confirm whether they believe foul play was involved.
The Investigation
Las Vegas Metro PD has been working with Australian consular officials and the FBI's Victim Services Division, according to department spokespersons. Detectives have traveled to multiple locations across Nevada in an effort to trace Contarino's movements during her final days in the area.
"We are asking anyone who may have seen Sally Grace Contarino or interacted with her during the period of late June into early July to please contact our tip line," Las Vegas Metro PD said in a statement.
Investigators have obtained surveillance footage from various locations along the Las Vegas Strip and surrounding areas, though officials declined to specify what that footage shows. Australian Federal Police have also been assisting by gathering information about Contarino's travel history and any known associates in Australia.
Key Takeaways
- Sally Grace Contarino, 28, of Melbourne, Australia, vanished in Las Vegas approximately three weeks ago
- She sent a text message to family expressing fear before her disappearance, sources say
- Las Vegas Metro PD is leading the investigation with assistance from federal partners
- Australian consular officials are working with Contarino's family in Melbourne
- Authorities have obtained surveillance footage but have not released details of their findings
What's Next
Las Vegas Metro PD detectives are expected to provide an update on the investigation later this week. Family members have scheduled a press conference in Melbourne on Tuesday local time, where they are expected to appeal for information about Contarino's whereabouts.
Anyone with information regarding Sally Grace Contarino's disappearance is urged to contact the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department's missing persons unit or the Australian Federal Police.