Please note: CCTV footage and image available via hightail: https://spaces.hightail.com/receive/8uj9XFZw2P
Police have released CCTV footage as they renew an appeal for information after the discovery of a body found in a burnt-out vehicle in the state's west earlier this year.
Emergency services were called to the Kamilaroi Highway, Brewarrina, 100km east of Bourke, about 5.15am on Sunday 28 September 2025, after an SUV was seen alight.
When the fire was extinguished, a body was found inside the vehicle.
A crime scene was established and an investigation commenced under Strike Force Mayville, comprising of detectives from Central North Police District and the State Crime Command's Homicide Squad.
As part of ongoing inquiries, detectives executed four crime scene warrants within Barwon Four Reserve and at a home on Cato Street, Brewarrina, in October where they seized clothing and undertook forensic testing for further examination.
As inquiries continue, police have released a CCTV of what appears to be a person moving away from the burning SUV. Detectives have also released CCTV vision of the SUV captured on Saturday 27 September 2025, the day before the fire.
Central North Police District Crime Manager, Detective Inspector Andrew Barnes, believes someone in the community knows something about this tragic incident and is urging them to come forward to bring closure to the family.
"A post mortem examination has now confirmed that person to be 27-year-old Joel Vrtacnik from Lightning Ridge.
"Police have been in contact with Joel's family and we are committed to finding answers as to what happened to their son.
"Strike Force Mayville detectives have been making significant inquiries in this investigation and every day we are getting closer to an answer," Det Insp Barnes said.
"But we are still missing a key piece to the puzzle, which is what we are appealing for today.
"Anyone who may have been injured at the time of the explosion, or who may have witnessed a person with burn injuries on or around Sunday 28 November 2025 is urged to contact police.
"We also want anyone who may have seen the SUV in Brewarrina during that time to contact police.
"We believe there are people in the community of Brewarrina and surrounding areas who have relevant information to the investigation, and we need to speak with them," he said.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au Information is managed on a confidential basis. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
