PLEASE NOTE: Images of Jessica Small are available via Hightail – https://spaces.hightail.com/receive/DpV6QNjxR2
Homicide Squad detectives are renewing an appeal for information regarding the kidnapping and suspected murder of Jessica Small from the Bathurst region in 1997.
Jessica Small, aged 15, was last seen in the early hours of Sunday 26 October 1997 after attending the 'Amuse Me' amusement centre on Russell Street, Bathurst, with a female friend.
The girls were attempting to hitch-hike home and entered a white-coloured sedan driven by an unknown man.
Police were told the man stopped the car on Hereford Street, Bathurst, and turned off the head-lights before assaulting both girls, attempting to detain them in the vehicle.
Jessica's friend was able to escape and alert nearby residents, but the car drove off with Jessica still inside.
Investigators believe the last sighting of the vehicle was near Duramana Road and Willott Close, Eglinton, travelling toward Hill End.
Jessica has not been seen or heard from since with a 2014 coronial inquest finding that Jessica had likely been murdered.
The matter was referred to the Homicide Squad, who are continuing to re-investigate the circumstances surrounding Jessica's abduction and suspected murder under Strike Force Carica II.
In October 2018, a NSW Government reward was increased to $1 million for information leading to the arrest and conviction of any person/s responsible for Jessica's murder.
Following the reward announcement, detectives received new information which identified additional witnesses and are now working with the NSW Crime Commission to progress the investigation.
The State Coroner has granted a fresh inquest into the death of Jessica Small, and a further hearing is proposed to take place in due course.
Homicide Squad Commander, Detective Superintendent Joe Doueihi said Strike Force Carica II detectives are exploring a number of new lines of inquiry in the search for the man responsible.
"To support this search for answers, anyone who may have held onto information since Jessica's disappearance, is urged to come forward," D/Supt Doueihi said.
"Any piece of new information could be the key to solve this case and help provide much-needed answers to Jessica's family about what happened to their daughter."
The $1million reward remains on offer for information that leads to the conviction of those responsible for Jessica's death.
Anyone with information that may assist Strike Force Carica II investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.
