A third individual has been arrested in connection with the disappearance and suspected murder of 17-year-old Pheobe Bishop from Bundaberg. The 30-year-old man was taken into custody in Bundaberg West around 7pm and has since been charged with two counts of accessory after the fact to murder, allegedly using Bishop’s mobile phone to obstruct the investigation.
Pheobe was last seen on May 15, when she did not board her flight from Bundaberg Airport to visit her boyfriend in Western Australia. Despite extensive searches and numerous public appeals, no leads were found until police made a significant breakthrough on June 6.
The recent developments follow the arrest of Bishop’s housemates, 34-year-old James Wood and his partner, 33-year-old Tanika Bromley, who have both been charged with her murder and with interfering with her corpse. They are scheduled to appear in court in August.
The search for Bishop led to the discovery of human remains near the Good Night Scrub National Park, about an hour from her Gin Gin home, which were later confirmed to be hers. Throughout the investigation, three crime scenes were established: the location of the remains, Bishop’s residence, and her housemate’s Hyundai IX35 vehicle.
Community vigils were held in both Gin Gin and Bundaberg to remember Pheobe in June, where her mother, Kylie Johnson, expressed that Bishop always “sang her own tune” and had a vibrant spirit. Her sister, Kaylea, remarked that although 17 years was far too brief, Pheobe made a significant impact during her time, being fiercely loyal to those she loved.
Authorities continue to seek information regarding Bishop’s last movements, particularly the grey Hyundai IX35 between May 15 and 18 in the Gin Gin area. The case has profoundly touched the local community, highlighting the devastating impact of such a loss.