A homicide investigation has been launched after the body of a woman found on a Northern NSW property last week was identified.
Emergency services were called to a stockyard on Kyogle Road at Terragon, about 20km south of Murwillumbah, about 11.20am on October 5, after a body was discovered partially submerged in a livestock dip, used to dispense chemical treatments for animals to control parasites.
Police established a crime scene at the rural property, and the body was removed from the site the following morning.
The body has since been identified as Yvonne Whear, a woman missing since February.
The 73-year-old was last seen driving along Queensland Road, Murwillumbah on February 19.
She has not been seen or heard from since.
On September 12, police received a request to search the Rous River after reports of a vehicle on the riverbed at Dulguigan.
Whear’s vehicle was recovered from the river during that search, but there was no trace of her.
Following the identification of her body last week, Acting Superintendent Matt Zimmer said police were treating the death as a homicide.
“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 any information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.