Detectives have charged a man with murder as their investigations continue into the suspicious disappearance of a Western Sydney woman.
Samah Baker, aged 30, was last seen after she was dropped off at her Early Street, Parramatta, home by a friend in the early hours of Friday 4 January 2019.
She was reported missing by relatives later that day after they could not get in contact with her.
Detectives from Parramatta Police Area Command, assisted by detectives from the Homicide Squad, established Strike Force Boutcher to investigate her disappearance, which is being treated as suspicious.
As part of their inquiries, strike force investigators conducted a forensic search in bushland at Yarra on Wednesday (6 March 2019) and Thursday (7 March 2019).
Detectives located and seized several items, which may be relevant to the investigation, that are undergoing forensic examination.
Following extensive inquiries, detectives arrested a 32-year-old man at a shopping centre in Hurstville about 10.30am yesterday (Friday 8 March 2019).
He was taken to Kogarah Police Station, where he was charged with murder.
The man was refused bail to appear at Parramatta Bail Court via video link today (Saturday 9 March 2019).
Investigations under Strike Force Boutcher, which include inquiries to locate Samah Baker's body, continue.
Anyone with information that may assist Strike Force Boutcher investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.
