Ella Tromp has been charged with stealing a car just days after her missing father was found alive in Wangaratta, adding another bizarre chapter to the Tromp family story.

The development was the latest in a case that has confounded the Australian public, the media and law enforcement bodies, and began when the Tromp family fled their Yarra Ranges home one week ago.

Ella’s 29-year-old sister Riana, who remains in hospital after she was found in a “catatonic” state, was also charged with vehicle theft but the charges were dropped under a clause in the NSW Mental Health Act.

The charges come as interest in the family saga reaches fever pitch, but the family members not in hospital are staying tight-lipped about the events that led to a mass meltdown.

The Tromp road trip

Speaking to reporters last week, Mitchell Tromp said his parents were scared and thought they were being followed when they decided to take the family on a “road trip”.

He said the ordeal was a family matter.

“I can see everyone’s questions,” Mitchell said. “I can see why they want to know, but it’s a family matter. I just want the family to be able to come back together and everything to work itself out.”

The family left their homes with no credit cards or mobile phones and left car keys in the ignition of cars at the home.

Police found missing man Mark Tromp, pictured with daughter Ella, on Sunday. Photo: Facebook. 

Other reports suggested that Mark Tromp feared someone was trying to kill him, while News Corp claimed the whole family (minus Mitchell), was suffering from a mental health condition that made them paranoid.

Police have said the family was never in danger, nor did they have money or psychological problems.

On Monday Ella, 22, was charged with theft of a motor vehicle and possessing the proceeds of crime, which allegedly occurred on the “road trip”.

It is alleged Ella Tromp stole a car in Goulburn, New South Wales, and drove it back to Victoria after she split from her parents during the road trip which began on August 29.

Cop brother a coincidence

Another unusual fact about the case was that Mark Tromp’s brother, Ken, is a police sergeant in Monbulk and was helping the search for his sibling, Fairfax Media reported.

Mark Tromp ran away from the family two days after the road trip began in Wangaratta. But the day before that the whole family had been in Bathurst.

From Bathurst, Mitchell Tromp left by train and Riana and Ella drove the allegedly stolen car.

The route the Tromp’s took on their ill-fated family trip to NSW.

On the same day, Riana Tromp boarded a ute and was found hiding in the back of it in Lake George.

Then on Thursday, Jacoba Tromp turned up in a Yass hospital.

Riana Tromp and her mother remain in hospital where they are being treated by health professionals.

Ella Tromp has been bailed and will face the Ringwood Magistrates Court in April.

– with ABC