A 73-year-old grandmother whose body was found in a stock dip near Murwillumbah, NSW, has been identified as Yvonne Whear, who vanished eight months ago. Police confirmed her death is being treated as a homicide, with Acting Superintendent Matt Zimmer urging anyone with information to come forward.
The body of Yvonne Whear, last seen on 19 February, was discovered partially submerged in a disused cattle dip by trail bike riders near Terragon, NSW. A post-mortem examination confirmed her identity, and police launched Strike Force Milera to investigate her death as a homicide. Her family, described as “devastated” by the tragedy, has called for justice after she was found 300 metres down an overgrown fire trail, a location of interest due to her disappearance eight months prior.
Discovery and Location Details
The remains were found in a concrete cattle dip, a structure used for livestock treatment, near Kyogle Road in Terragon. Acting Superintendent Matt Zimmer described the site as “very isolated,” noting it was 300 metres from a roadway along an overgrown track. The location is significant as it aligns with the last known movements of Whear, who was seen on CCTV buying orange juice and adding $50 credit to her phone before driving to her farm near Dungay. Her gold Ford Escape was later recovered from the Rous River in September, a discovery that shifted the investigation’s focus.
Whear’s body was severely decomposed, with police stating the state of decomposition
hindered immediate identification. The discovery followed a breakthrough in September when her car was found in the Rous River less than 10 kilometres from her property. Divers and forensic teams examined the site, while her family expressed shock at the outcome of the eight-month search.
Family and Community Reaction
Whear’s family described the loss as unimaginable grief.
Acting Superintendent Zimmer acknowledged the community’s distress, stating, Obviously, this incident has caused this community a lot of alarm. It’s caused them distress.
The police investigation has not linked Whear’s death to any serial offender, with Zimmer stating, At this point in time, there is no indication and no evidence to indicate there is any involvement of a serial offender.
However, he urged residents to come forward, noting, Now is the time for those people to come forward.
The case has raised concerns about the safety of the rural area, though authorities have not identified broader threats.
Timeline of Events
Whear was last seen on 19 February, driving north on Queensland Road in Murwillumbah. Her phone pinged a tower near Dungay at 10am on 20 February before vanishing. She was reported missing after failing to contact her family for two days, with searches initially focusing on her farm and surrounding areas. The discovery of her car in the Rous River in September led to renewed efforts, culminating in the body’s identification.
Whear was engaged in a long-running dispute involving the lease agreement over the farm she rented for 23 years. Her family has emphasized her active life with her animals.
Calls for Information
Police have reiterated their appeal for information, with Zimmer saying, 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.
The case remains open, with forensic testing and searches ongoing at her property. The community continues to grapple with the tragedy, as the family seeks answers for the “callous, inhumane act” that took her life.