HUMAN remains discovered in a Blue Mountains dam have been identified as missing Newcastle woman Cecilia Devine.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The 42-year-old woman had been missing for almost eight months. She was last seen leaving a home on Turton Road, Waratah, on September 5. Police had renewed their appeal for information in December last year when information came to light that Devine, previously known as Kristen Pearson, had possibly travelled to Hornsby and the Blue Mountains.
Human skeletal remains were discovered in the Upper Cascade Creek dam on March 18 at North Katoomba.
At the time Blue Mountains Police Detective Inspector Scott McAlpine said employees of the Sydney Water Catchment Authority had found the body near the catchment area.
He said the remains had been there for quite some time.
"We're waiting on forensics to identify the body. It's not being treated as suspicious," Det Insp McAlpine said in March.
The body has since been identified as Ms Devine's and police have escalated their investigation treating the discovery as a homicide.
Detectives from Blue Mountains Police Area Command, with the assistance of the homicide squad, are investigating the circumstances surrounding her death under Strike Force Eking.
As part of their inquiries, strike force investigators have released CCTV footage of Ms Devine, wearing a bright yellow cardigan, black pants and carrying an orange handbag, walking from a hotel in Katoomba Street, Katoomba, on Thursday September 6, 2018.
Blue Mountains Police Area Crime Manager, Detective Inspector McAlpine, said investigators were trying to piece together her last movements.
"One of the last known sightings of Cecilia Devine was her leaving this hotel and walking down one of the main streets of Katoomba," Det Insp McAlpine said.
"We believe there are people out there who spoke with Cecilia or saw her at the time and we urge them to come forward.
"We're all wanting the same outcome - to find answers for Cecilia's loved ones. They need to know what happened to her and how she came to be where she was."
Ms Devine loved making music according to her brother Nathan Pearson and was "probably way too easy going".
"She just loved being part of the social life, that's where she was devoted with her singing," Nathan said.
"She'd assimilate with anyone."
Another brother, Troy Pearson, revealed Ms Devine suffered from bipolar disorder, a chronic mental health condition.
"That plays a big part in her issue," he said.
Anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.
While you're with us, did you know The Herald is now offering breaking news alerts, daily email newsletters and more? Keep up-to-date with all the local news - sign up here.
