Homicide Squad detectives are appealing for information following the suspicious death of a woman in the state's north west last week.
About 9am last Thursday (9 January 2020), emergency services were called to bushland near Sunflash Street and Black Prince Drive at Lightning Ridge, following the discovery of a woman's body.
The woman has since been formally identified as 39-year-old Christine Neilan.
A post mortem examination revealed she died from serious head injuries.
Detectives from the State Crime Command's Homicide Squad and Central North Police District have established Strike Force Bullarook to investigate the circumstances surrounding her death.
Christine lived in Lightning Ridge with her mother since late last year and was known to walk around the local area with her small white dog 'Sooky'.
Police have been told that Christine was last seen about 10am on Wednesday 8 January 2020, leaving her home in Lightning Ridge for a walk.
At the time, she was wearing an orange and blue short-sleeved shirt with an Indigenous pattern and black shorts.
Homicide Squad Commander, Detective Superintendent Danny Doherty, said strike force investigators are urging anyone in the community that may have information about Christine's movements on Wednesday to come forward.
"Police are particularly interested in speaking with anyone who had contact with or saw Christine in the 24 hours before her body was located," Det Supt Doherty said.
"On Wednesday last week, we know that Christine left home for a walk alone, without her dog and did not return.
"We urge any member of the community who may be able to assist detectives with their investigation to come forward and help us provide answers for Christine's family," Det Supt Doherty said.
Police are urging anyone with information that may assist Strike Force Bullarook detectives to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au/ Information you provide will be treated in the strictest of confidence. We remind people they should not report crime information via our social media pages.
