The search for missing Toowoomba mother Jana Armstrong has ended in tragedy after her body was found in bushland near Ravensbourne National Park, with her former partner charged with her murder.
The 30-year-old’s remains were discovered late on Saturday night near Esk Hampton Road, Redbank Creek, about 55 kilometres from Toowoomba.
Queensland Police said a crime scene had been established and while the remains are yet to be formally identified, investigators believe they are those of Ms Armstrong.
As per ABC, her former partner, 48-year-old Dharminder Singh, was arrested and charged with murder, with the matter being treated as a domestic and family violence offence.
Ms Armstrong, a support worker and mother of a four-month-old baby boy, was last seen alive on Tuesday, July 7, at her home in Newtown, Toowoomba.
Police said members of the public searching the area discovered the remains and contacted authorities.
Detective Acting Inspector Brian Collins told media that the investigators believed Ms Armstrong was killed on the night she disappeared.
“The movements of Jana’s vehicle and whether it was used to transport her body will form a significant part of the investigation.”
Police have appealed for dashcam and CCTV footage from anyone who travelled between Toowoomba and Esk, including along the New England Highway and Esk Hampton Road, between 10.30pm on July 7 and 1.30am on July 8.
Mr Singh was taken into custody early on Sunday morning after police executed a search warrant at an address in Harristown. He is expected to appear in Toowoomba Magistrates Court.
Ms Armstrong’s family had spent days searching for her, with her sister Faith Isaacs caring for her baby son after her disappearance.
Speaking through tears, Ms Isaacs said she was relieved her sister had been found and that someone had been charged. “She just needs to be at rest next to Mum and Dad,” she told ABC.
“I know she will be looking after my baby girl who passed away recently, and I am looking after her baby boy.”
Describing her sister as her best friend, Ms Isaacs said Jana was “the most caring, calm and loving person”. “She just put everyone first,” she said.
Family members and friends who joined the search described Ms Armstrong as deeply loved and remembered flowers being placed at the location where her remains were found.
Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding her death and have urged anyone with relevant information or footage to contact Queensland Police.
Support is available through 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) for those experiencing domestic, family or sexual violence.
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