The death of 73-year-old grandmother Yvonne Whear has become a homicide investigation after a post-mortem examination, police in New South Wales have confirmed.
Ms Whear was reported missing on February 21, two days after she was last seen driving near Murwillumbah in the Northern Rivers region.
Her body was discovered on October 5 by two trail-bike riders in a disused stock dip in Terragon, hundreds of metres from the nearest road, Kyogle Road.
Police had already described the death as suspicious after her car was found submerged in the Rous River, west of Murwillumbah, on September 12.
Acting Superintendent Matt Zimmer said an examination carried out the previous day had led investigators to believe Ms Whear was killed by another person.
“Yesterday a post-mortem examination was conducted and on the information provided we are now treating her death as a homicide,” he said. “The news of Yvonne’s death in these circumstances is tragic.”
Mr Zimmer said the development was devastating for Ms Whear’s family, who had spent months waiting for answers. He described her as a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who was clearly loved by those around her.
“While we can now provide some answers to her family, there are still significant questions about what happened to her and how she came to be where she was found,” he said.
Police appeal for information about Yvonne Whear’s death
Investigators believe people in the community may have information about what happened during the eight months since Ms Whear was last seen.
“Someone knows what happened to Yvonne,” Mr Zimmer said, urging anyone with information to come forward, including those who may have heard conversations about the case.
He said even a small piece of information could help establish the circumstances of her death and identify those responsible.
The stock dip was at the end of an overgrown fire trail in a “very isolated” area. Police want to speak to anyone who may have used the trail, visited the cattle dip or gone to a swimming hole at its end since Ms Whear disappeared.
Further inquiries into the condition of her car are due to be carried out next week as investigators continue examining the circumstances surrounding her death.
Anyone with information has been urged to contact Crime Stoppers or Tweed Heads Police.
