Detectives are continuing to appeal for information as they piece together the final moments of a man whose body was found in a vehicle in the state's Central Tablelands on Valentine’s Day.
Just before 8pm on Tuesday 14 February 2017, police and emergency services located the body of a man in a white 2015-model BMW M3 sedan on Duckmaloi Road, Duckmaloi, 15km from Oberon.
The man was formally identified as 35-year-old Queensland man, Ricky Ciano, who was visiting Sydney and reported missing the day before, when he could not be contacted by family.
Investigations into the circumstances surrounding Mr Ciano's death are being led by the State Crime Command's Homicide Squad under Strike Force Kiaka.
Following an appeal to the community for information in July, strike force detectives identified a vacant property at Oberon, which they believe Mr Ciano may have attended the weekend he died, NSW Police say.
About 10am on Tuesday (5 December 2017), Strike Force Kiaka detectives executed a crime scene warrant at the property on Harris Road, Oberon.
Investigators were assisted by the Public Order and Riot Squad, Marine Area Command divers, the Rescue and Bomb Disposal Unit, the Drug and Firearms Squad’s Chemical Operations, Forensic Evidence and Technical Services Command, and local police.
During the search, investigators identified the premises had previously been used for cannabis cultivation and the manufacture of methylamphetamine; a number of items relevant to the investigation were seized.
In addition, specialist forensic officers conducted an extensive examination of the property.
The Homicide Squad’s Detective Chief Inspector Jason Dickinson said while strike force investigators are awaiting forensic results, they are making a further appeal to the community for assistance.
"We have received considerable support from the community, which has helped us trace the movements of Mr Ciano’s vehicle and a Hiace van, which had been travelling with it," Det Ch Insp Dickinson said.
"That information assisted us to locate this property, and based on what we found there, we are confident there are people who know more about Mr Ciano’s death.
"We welcome information from the community, particularly if they noticed something suspicious in the area at the time, or if they saw or spoke to Mr Ciano in the days leading up to his death.
"Our inquiries are very much ongoing, and we are determined to provide answers to Mr Ciano’s family, so we urge those who have knowledge of what happened at Oberon to contact police," Det Ch Insp Dickinson said.
Police are urging anyone with information that may assist Strike Force Kiaka investigators with their inquiries to call Crime Stoppers.
