Keli Lane's Daughter Pleads for Mother's Release, Calls Herself 'Forgotten Victim'

The surviving daughter of Keli Lane, who was convicted of murdering her two-day-old baby Tegan, has publicly appealed for her mother's release, identifying herself as a "forgotten victim" in the high-profile case. Lane was sentenced in December 2010 to a minimum of 13 years and 5 months for the 1996 disappearance and presumed murder of Tegan. She maintained her innocence, claiming she left Tegan with her father, who has never been located.

The daughter, now 25, was nine years old when Lane was jailed. Speaking for the first time, she stated her mother poses no risk to the public and is deeply loved by her family and friends. "My mum is not a risk to anyone. She is loved, she is wanted by her friends and family, and I love her deeply," she told A Current Affair. "I know how precious time is with your parents because it is something that can never be replaced."

The daughter specifically criticized the "No Body, No Parole" law, which was strengthened in 2022. This law prevents offenders from being granted parole if the location of their victim's remains is unknown. As Tegan's body has never been found, Lane is ineligible for parole and will remain incarcerated until her maximum sentence concludes in December 2028, despite serving her minimum term in 2024. The daughter argued that the law was applied to her mother's case "without proper consideration of her individual circumstances" and has significantly impacted her. "Throughout all of this, very few people have considered how these decisions have affected me. I am a forgotten victim in this situation," she wrote.

Patrick Cogan, Lane's long-term partner, has supported Lane throughout her imprisonment, which has spanned 16 of their 17 years together. He described Lane as a "kind" and "dedicated and caring mother" who has maintained a close relationship with her daughter, even assisting with her schoolwork remotely. Cogan also expressed that Lane's daughter is "the biggest victim" in the situation, having lost her mother at a young age. He and Lane's daughter visit Lane on weekends when she is granted temporary release from prison.

A New South Wales government spokesperson confirmed that individual parole decisions are made by the State Parole Authority and that the government supports the "No Body, No Parole" law, stating its intention is to encourage offenders to reveal victim locations to provide closure for families. The spokesperson added that there are no plans to change the law.