October 22nd 2024.
A huge sum of $500,000 is up for grabs for anyone who can assist in bringing the perpetrator to justice for the murder of a 41-year-old woman. The victim, Cecilia Devine, also known as Kristen Pearson, was discovered dead at a secluded dam in the Blue Mountains, approximately five years ago. The last time she was seen was on September 6, 2018, while she was shopping at Coles and making a withdrawal from an ATM in Katoomba.
The day before her disappearance, her loved ones had reported her missing from her hometown of Newcastle. Concerns arose when they were unable to reach her. The police immediately launched a search operation, but it wasn't until six months later that her naked body was located by the staff at a Katoomba water treatment facility on March 18, 2019, in the remote Upper Cascade Creek Dam. A month after the discovery, the remains were officially identified as Devine's, and a murder investigation was initiated by the State's Homicide Squad, alongside the local police.
During an inquest earlier this year, it was determined that Devine had passed away between September 6 and 13. However, the exact cause of her death could not be determined. In light of this tragic event, the NSW Government and the NSW Police have announced a $500,000 reward today.
Devine resided in Newcastle but had traveled over 230 kilometers to Katoomba before her disappearance. Her mother, Kathy Pearson, expressed her gratitude for the reward, hoping it would provide closure for the family and friends of "a much-loved daughter, sister, and friend who was taken from us too soon in terrible circumstances". Pearson remembered her daughter as a talented singer and songwriter, with an infectious laugh, a dazzling smile, and a compassionate heart.
Superintendent John Nelson, the Blue Mountains PAC Commander, stated that he hoped the substantial reward would encourage anyone with information to come forward and assist in the case. Despite the extensive investigation, the police are still uncertain about how Devine made her way to Katoomba, why she was there, and what ultimately led to her demise. Nelson urged anyone who may have seen or interacted with Devine during the time of her disappearance to come forward and provide any information they may have. This could be the missing piece needed to solve this puzzling case.
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