Former partner charged after body found near Ravensbourne
A 48-year-old man has been charged with murder after police found human remains believed to be missing Toowoomba mother Jana Armstrong in bushland west of Brisbane.
Queensland Police said the remains were located late on Saturday near Esk Hampton Road at Redbank Creek, close to Ravensbourne National Park, after members of the public came across the scene and contacted authorities. A crime scene was declared shortly afterwards, and investigators say formal identification is still being completed, though they believe the remains are those of Ms Armstrong.
Ms Armstrong, 30, was reported missing after she was last seen at her Newtown home in Toowoomba on Tuesday, July 7. The mother of a four-month-old baby boy had been the subject of an extensive search involving police, relatives, friends and community members. Her disappearance was described by family as out of character.
Police focus on timeline between Toowoomba and Esk
Detectives arrested a 48-year-old Harristown man, identified by the ABC as Dharminder Singh, after executing a search warrant at a West Street address in Toowoomba early on Sunday. He has been charged with one count of murder, domestic violence offence, and is expected to face Toowoomba Magistrates Court on Monday.
Investigators are now seeking to reconstruct Ms Armstrong’s final movements. Police have appealed for anyone with dashcam footage, CCTV or other information from the route between Toowoomba and Esk, particularly along Esk Hampton Road and the New England Highway, between 10.30pm on July 7 and 1.30am on July 8.
Detective Acting Inspector Brian Collins said the movement of Ms Armstrong’s vehicle on the night she disappeared would form a significant part of the investigation. Her white Hyundai had earlier been found abandoned, intensifying concerns for her welfare. Police have said a post-mortem examination will be needed to determine exactly how she died.
Family and community left grieving
The discovery ended several days of anxious searching by Ms Armstrong’s family and the wider Toowoomba community. Relatives had organised search efforts and publicly appealed for information as concern grew for the young mother.
Ms Armstrong’s sister, Faith Isaacs, told the ABC the family was devastated but relieved her sister had been found. She said she would now focus on caring for Ms Armstrong’s baby boy and ensuring he grows up knowing who his mother was.
The case has also renewed attention on the wider toll of domestic and family violence in Australia. Police have described the alleged killing as horrific and said their sympathies were with Ms Armstrong’s loved ones. They have also indicated they will review any previous interactions connected to the relationship as part of the broader investigation.
At this stage, the charge remains an allegation and the accused man is entitled to the presumption of innocence. Further details are expected to emerge when the matter comes before court and as detectives continue forensic and witness inquiries.
Public urged to assist investigation
Police are asking motorists, residents and businesses who may have been in the relevant area late on July 7 or in the early hours of July 8 to review camera footage and contact investigators if they notice anything unusual. Even small pieces of information, including vehicle movements on rural roads, may help detectives establish a clearer timeline.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Queensland Police or Crime Stoppers. Support is available for anyone affected by domestic and family violence through national and state-based crisis services.