The news came as a manhunt for suspected killer Malcolm Naden intensified in rugged bushland near Tamworth.

Naden is wanted on warrants for the January 2005 disappearance of Ms Nolan, the June 2005 murder of her friend Kristy Scholes and a 2004 aggravated indecent assault of a teenaged girl.

More pictures of Naden, his alleged victims and the police operation here.

State Crime Command spokeswoman Georgie Wells revealed two boys found the wallet near the river on October 18. “The boys immediately handed the wallet to police who had reason to believe it belonged to Ms Nolan,’’ Ms Wells said.

“Officers from Orana Local Area Command and the homicide squad searched bushland near Dubbo for several days but no further evidence was found.’’

Ms Nolan was last seen at her grandmother’s West Dubbo home on January 4, 2005.

She was then aged 24 and described as 165cm tall, of medium build and complexion with green/hazel eyes and brown hair.

Ms Nolan’s car was later found abandoned near the Macquarie River. “Hopes of finding her alive were high during the early days of the police search,’’ Lateesha’s father Mick Peet said yesterday.

“But after Kristy was murdered we realised Lateesha was most likely dead too.

“The only hope of finding her body is if Malcolm is taken into custody alive.’’

Ms Scholes, a mother of two, was found in the bedroom of a house in Bunglegumbie Road, West Dubbo on June 23, 2005.

Ms Wells said the police are keen to bring Naden into custody alive.

“We want to put him before the courts in relation to the murder of Kristy Scholes and the aggravated indecent assault of a teenaged girl.

“Police believe Naden can also assist with information about the disappearance of Lateesha Nolan.

“Ms Nolan is officially considered missing but police believe she may have met with foul play.’’

Police have been searching for Naden since he went on the run in June 2005. A sighting at Taronga Western Plains Zoo in December that year caused the tourist attraction to be locked down.

Police involved in an extensive search believed Naden may have been living in a roof, killing kangaroos for food.

Carefully slaughtered kangaroo carcasses were reportedly found in the zoo grounds.

A former shearer and abattoir skinner and boner, Naden is described by police as an expert bushman.

He reportedly became obsessed with religion prior to his disappearance.

Naden is understood to have believed the end of the world was near.

“He blacked out the windows of his bedroom and only left his home in secret,’’ Mick Peet said.

“Family members left food outside his door.

“Obviously something pretty serious was going on with Malcolm and I just wish things could have been stopped before Kristy was killed and Lateesha disappeared.

“I was bitterly disappointed when Malcolm managed to get away from police searching the zoo.

“It took hours to shut the place down - the whole operation should have been done more quickly.’’

Mr Peet was shocked when a police officer was shot through the shoulder on Wednesday when a strikeforce team closed in on a Tamworth district bush camp thought to be used by Naden.

“It was a terrible thing to happen and shows just how desperate Malcolm is to avoid arrest,’’ Mr Peet said.

“But the good news for Lateesha’s family is that the shooting of the police officer has heightened public awareness of the Malcolm Naden manhunt.

“I want the whole of Australia to see his picture and be made aware that a $100,000 reward has been offered for his arrest.’’

The State Crime Command confirmed police have been tracking Naden through fingerprints left at break

and enters throughout the Barrington Tops.

Naden is suspected of stealing firearms and ammunition, non-perishable food, camping gear and torches.

Police have re-released a photo of Naden that is a few years old.

“We don’t know how his build, hair and facial hair may have changed,’’ police spokeserson Georgie Wells

said.

“Police do know that Malcolm Naden is regarded as armed and dangerous.

“He should not be approached under any circumstances.

“Anyone with information should call Triple Zero (000) straight away.’’