Update: Detectives investigating the disappearance of a baby 15 years ago arrested 43-year-0ld Evans Head resident Kate Hutchinson on Wednesday morning (March 16) and charged her with the child’s murder.
The child’s body has never been found but police say that there have been numerous investigations and the absence of human remains is no impediment to the case.
Ms Hutchinson was refused bail and appeared in Lismore Local Court, where she was remanded in custody to reappear in the same court on March 22.
Original report: Police from Hunter Valley Local Area Command had been investigating the disappearance of Leonie Astra Hutchinson, who was reported missing in 2004.
Strike Force Kanuna was formed to investigate Leonie’s disappearance, and comprises detectives from Hunter Valley Local Area Command, assisted by State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad. There has also been a Coronial inquest into her whereabouts.
Investigators believe Leonie was 16 months old when she disappeared from her home in Scone sometime around January 2001.
As a result of on-going inquiries, detectives attached to Strike Force Kanuna, arrested the 43-year-old woman at her home, in Evans Head, about 7.30am Wednesday (March 16).
