Police have launched a homicide investigation after a body found at a rural property in Terragon, in northern New South Wales, was identified as missing 73-year-old Yvonne Whear.
Emergency services were called to a stockyard on Kyogle Road at about 11.20am on October 5, after the body was discovered partially submerged in a livestock dip used to apply chemical treatments to animals.
A crime scene was established at the property, about 20km south of Murwillumbah, and the body was removed the following morning.
Ms Whear was last seen driving along Queensland Road in Murwillumbah on February 19. She had not been seen or heard from since.
Her vehicle was recovered from the bed of the Rous River at Dulguigan on September 12, after police were asked to search the area following reports of a vehicle there. No trace of Ms Whear was found at the time.
Acting Superintendent Matt Zimmer said police were treating her death as a homicide and appealed for anyone with information to come forward.
“Yvonne was a mother, grandmother, a great-grandmother and a person who was clearly loved by those around her,” he said.
“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.
“Someone knows what happened to Yvonne.
“Whether you have previously spoken to police or have information you have not yet shared, we need you to come forward.
“Even the smallest piece of information could prove crucial as we work to establish the circumstances surrounding her death and hold those responsible to account.
“Yvonne’s family has endured many months of uncertainty, and they deserve answers.”
Anyone with information has been urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
