A tip-off has led detectives to search two Walgett sites in the hopes of uncovering what happened to Roxlyn Bowie, a woman who vanished more than 36 years ago.
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The 31-year-old mother of two was last seen at her Walgett home about 6pm on Saturday June 5 1982.
Just three weeks after the NSW government issued a $1 million reward for information about Roxlyn Bowie’s suspected murder, police conducted a forensic search and excavation of a dam in Wee Waa Street, Walgett on Monday.
On Tuesday they combed an industrial site in Walgett.
Robbery and Serious Crime Squad Commander, Detective Superintendent Daniel Doherty, said these searches are expected to continue for three weeks.
“Investigators are here, not far from where Roxlyn Bowie was last seen alive, to pursue a lead we’ve received from members of the public,” Supt. Doherty said.
A coronial inquest held in Dubbo in September 2014 found Mrs Bowie had died but the cause of her death was undetermined and her body has never been found.
Coroner Mary Jerram found Ms Bowie had died on or about the date she went missing.
The coroner said the mother of two was a “timid woman” and that how she had with “no money and no access to a car” “simply vanished” was “beyond comprehension to me”.
“It’s highly likely to me she met with foul play,” she said.
Police renewed the case in October 2018, with Crime Command Robbery and Serious Crime Squad Commander Detective Superintendent Daniel Doherty heading up Strike force Maluka.
“We can’t stress enough how crucial information from the community has been in the investigation thus far,” Supt. Doherty said.
“However, we are still appealing for those who can help us to continue to piece together Roxlyn’s last movements to come forward. Your information will be treated in the strictest of confidence.
“We will never give up on this investigation, no matter how many years pass.
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“Strike Force Maluka detectives are pursuing justice not just for Roxlyn, but also for her daughter Brenda, who has gone for too long without the truth.”
Earlier this month Roxlyn’s daughter pleaded with the public to come forward so they could “finally have justice for Mum”.
“It’s been 36 long years without having my mother there for birthdays, holidays and special milestones,” Mrs Boyd said.
“Tragically, my brother Warren has passed away and will never know what happened to our beloved mother.”
Det Supt Doherty reminded the community that a $1 million NSW Government reward remains on offer for information leading to the location of the body of Roxlyn Bowie or for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for her murder.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.
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