‘Inhumane act’: Homicide investigation launched after beloved grandmother found dead in stock dip

A homicide investigation has been launched after the body of a beloved grandmother was found partially submerged in a stock dip on a rural NSW property, as her family demands answers for the “callous, inhumane act”.

The body of Yvonne Whear, a 73-year-old last seen in the Northern Rivers almost eight months ago, was severely decomposed when it was discovered partially submerged in half a metre of water at a property 20 kilometres south of Murwillumbah last week. Two bike riders spotted the remains in the stock dip while using a popular track running past the property.

A post-mortem examination on Monday identified the remains and sparked a homicide investigation under Strike Force Milera, which will deploy officers from the State Crime Command’s homicide squad, along with other specialised units, to the Northern Rivers.

Whear’s three children, in a statement released on behalf of the family, said they were “devastated and horrified” by the development.

“We are left facing a future without her, carrying unimaginable grief and unanswered questions,” the family said.

“Not only has she been robbed of her life, her children and grandchildren now all face the horrific trauma of this callous inhumane act. While whoever is responsible for this is still out there in the community … Yvonne deserves justice, our family deserves answers.”

The family were told of the tragic news on Tuesday morning, as detectives prepared to return to Whear’s hobby farm on the outskirts of Dungay, near the Queensland border. Further forensic testing and searches are expected at the residence.

Tweed/Byron Police District Commander Matt Zimmer said the state’s detectives would deliver justice for Whear, as they investigate the circumstances ahead of her death.

“There are still significant questions about what happened to her and how she came to be where she was found,” he said.

“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.”

Whear was last seen on February 19, when security cameras captured her driving north on Queensland Road at Murwillumbah towards her farm about 3.20pm. Mobile phone data shows she watched YouTube videos that afternoon, and just before 5pm, checked her voicemail.

Her phone was last detected by a phone tower near Dungay at 10am on February 20, and hasn’t been seen since.

Detectives will return to Whear’s property on Tuesday morning, as they continue to investigate the circumstances leading to her death. Further forensic testing and searches are expected at the residence.

Whear lived on her farm surrounded by her animals, including ducks, chickens, dogs, rabbits and cats. She kept in regular touch with her family, which includes three children, 10 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

Whear’s daughter Gillian Hallac grew concerned for her mother’s welfare after she failed to make contact for two days.

Detectives initially suspected Whear met with misadventure while driving on snaking roads through the Northern Rivers, though concerns grew as police searches uncovered no signs of the woman or her gold Ford Escape SUV.

Drones and helicopters searched from the air, while police divers scoured the Rous and Tweed rivers.

There was a breakthrough in the search last month, when investigators found the woman’s car in the Rous River less than 10 kilometres from her property.

The SUV was recovered from the water, and forensically and mechanically examined. Personal belongings believed to be Whear’s were also recovered.

Whear was engaged in a long-running dispute involving the lease agreement over the farm she rented for 23 years. She was due to appear in the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal the week after she vanished.

There is no suggestion the proceedings are related to Whear’s disappearance, nor is anyone involved in them accused of any wrongdoing.

Hallac, speaking to this publication in August, said despite the legal proceedings, Whear had no reason to leave her life behind. Her mother was employed as a disability support worker, and was undertaking an art course at TAFE.

“She had a life with plans and responsibilities and people who loved her,” Hallac said. “We don’t believe she had any ordinary reasons to leave the property that evening.”

Anyone with information that could assist police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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