Young mum-of-two Belinda Peisley disappeared in 1998 and hasn’t been seen since.
The 19-year-old left behind her two young sons, Cody and Billy.
On Dec. 3, a forensic excavation begun at Peisley’s former Katoomba home in the hopes of finding answers. In 2013, a coronial inquest into her death concluded that the young woman had died shortly after her disappearance, but Deputy State Coroner Paul MacMahon said the cause or manner of death couldn’t be determined.
The last reports of Peisley being seen were on Dec. 26, 1998, and extensive searches and investigations have been conducted in the years since – providing no answers for friends or family.
Despite this, homicide investigators have continued to search for answers over the past two decades under Strike Force Belonidae.
Her disappearance, and suspected murder, has been the subject of several media investigations with Peisley’s father Mark Wearne telling the ABC in August that he believed his daughter was murdered.
“I believe there was foul play involved right from the start,” Wearne said.
Speaking again on Dec. 3, Wearne told the publication he has more questions than ever.
“It’s just one foot in front of the other. We haven’t got answers.”
“The inquest finished with more questions than answers.”
Several investigations and ground searches have been conducted over the years with the newest being prompted by new connections.
“It’s a series of bits of information that, when put together, sparked our interest,” said Detective Chief Inspector Grant Taylor.
On the night of her disappearance, Peisley had been taken to hospital following reports by neighbours of glass smashing and a woman screaming coming from her home. Police were called to check on the 19-year-old, who was found under the influence of alcohol and by herself when they arrived.
When police returned to investigate her disappearance, they found Peisley’s home turned upside down with her handbag and wallet left behind.
The 2013 inquest identified three potential suspects, but no-one has ever been charged.
In June, Peisley’s cold case was reopened and a $100,000 reward remains for information that will lead to information about her fate.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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