The bones of Kellie Ann Carmichael, who went missing as a 24-year-old, have been found by New South Wales Police after decades of mystery shrouded her disappearance.
Authorities told SkyNews.com.au on Monday the discovery was made during an “unrelated police operation” last week.
“On Tuesday 30 April 2024 officers attached to Blue Mountains Police Area Command located human remains in bushland near Katoomba,” NSW Police said.
“Following inquiries police attended the same location on Monday 27 May 2024, where they located further remains.”
The first set of human remains have been formally identified as those of Ms Carmichael. Her family has since been notified.
Ms Carmichael vanished on April 29, 2001 after the then 24-year-old left a hostel and told staff she would be back after a walk.
However, she never returned despite leaving her wallet, mobile phone and several personal belongings behind.
Ms Carmichael’s distraught family searched desperately for their daughter over several days but were unable to make any discoveries.
State Crime Command Homicide detectives eventually took over the investigation in 2004 and her death has been suspected as a murder.
Despite numerous inquiries, police have so far been unable to arrest anyone they believe is responsible for the crime.
The NSW government has offered a $200,000 reward for any information leading to a conviction of the person or persons responsible for Ms Carmichael’s disappearance and death.
Numerous theories have been put forward, including that she took her own life in a schizophrenic episode or that she was murdered by a serial killer.
Her parents have always maintained that they believe their daughter had been killed by someone else.
The Unsolved Homicides Team has begun a post-mortem examination and a brief of evidence is being prepared for the Coroner.