Human remains believed to be those of murdered Wagga Wagga chef, Allecha Boyd, have been located during a search in bushland near Wagga Wagga yesterday.
In 2017, detectives from Riverina Police District established Strike Force Amias to investigate the circumstances surrounding the suspicious disappearance and suspected murder of Ms Boyd.
Allecha, then aged 27, was last seen in the township of Coolamon on the afternoon of August 10, 2017.
Riverina Police District Commander, Superintendent Bob Noble, said police believe the remains are those of Allecha.
“The loss of a loved one is never easy to deal with, but we hope the Boyd family will soon be able to say goodbye to Allecha,” Supt Noble said.
Two men –aged 19 and 37 – where charged in 2017 and a 35-year-old woman was charged in 2018 in relation to her murder. Samuel John Shephard pleaded guilty to the murder of the Wagga Wagga chef when he appeared before the NSW Supreme Court last year. All matters have since been finalised at court.
Strike force investigators, assisted by specialist forensic officers, commenced a coordinated search in the Lester State Forest, about 20km south west of the township of Coolamon, and discovered skeletal remains within the search area about 1pm yesterday.
The remains will be subject to forensic examination, followed by further analysis, including DNA testing
“While the remains are yet to be formally identified, they are believed to be that of Allecha Boyd,” NSW Police said in a statement this morning.
A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.