Police have renewed their appeal for information regarding the 1997 kidnapping and suspected murder of 15-year-old Jessica Small from New South Wales. Jessica was last seen in the early hours of Sunday, 26 October 1997, after visiting the Amuse Me amusement centre in Bathurst with a friend. The pair attempted to hitch-hike home and entered a white sedan driven by an unidentified man.
According to reports, the driver stopped on Hereford Street, turned off the headlights, and assaulted both girls while attempting to keep them inside the vehicle. Jessica’s friend managed to escape and alert nearby residents, but unfortunately, Jessica remained in the car as it sped away.
The last confirmed sighting of the sedan was near the intersection of Duramana Road and Willott Close in Eglinton, heading towards Hill End. Since that night, Jessica has not been seen or heard from, and a coronial inquest conducted in 2014 concluded that she was likely murdered.
The case has since been handed over to the Homicide Squad, which is actively re-examining the circumstances of Jessica’s disappearance. In October 2018, the New South Wales government increased the reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of individuals responsible for Jessica’s murder to $1 million. Subsequent to this announcement, detectives received new leads, identifying additional witnesses and collaborating with the NSW Crime Commission to advance the investigation.
A fresh inquest into Jessica’s case has been granted, with further hearings anticipated. Homicide Squad commander, Detective Superintendent Joe Doueihi, emphasised that the investigation is exploring new avenues and urges anyone with information, however small, to come forward. He expressed that every piece of information could be vital in solving the case and providing answers to Jessica’s family about her fate.
The $1 million reward for information remains in place. Individuals with any leads are encouraged to reach out to Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000 or submit information online.