THE case of missing Tamworth mother Johann Morgan has been referred to the NSW Coroner, as police continue to investigate her suspicious disappearance.
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The 41-year-old was last seen in Cole Rd in Tamworth on August 8, and has not touched her bank accounts or used her phone since.
Strike Force Chiltern was set up in the wake of Ms Morgan’s disappearance, by Oxley detectives and investigators from the State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad.
In early September, police confirmed they believed the missing woman had met with foul play.
Now, the NSW Coroner has been informed of the disappearance and suspected death of Ms Morgan, with the coroner’s jurisdiction to assist in the investigation.
The referral was made in recent weeks by Oxley police who, by law, must refer the case when they believe the missing person is deceased.
Under the Coroners Act 2009, a coroner can outline directions to the officer in charge of the case
for the purposes of the coronial investigation.
The coroner has wide-ranging powers and can even compel a witness to give evidence at an inquest, even if they have refused to co-operate with investigators in providing a statement.
A coronial inquest can also be suspended if further evidence or information comes to light, and the matter referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions to consider whether any criminal charges can be laid.
A brief of evidence into Ms Morgan’s disappearance is now expected to be forwarded to the coroner for consideration.
The search for the missing mother has unfolded in several locations around Tamworth and has involved resources from across the state, including police divers, sniffer dogs, Operation Support Group (OSG) and Target Action Group (TAG) officers.
Three crime scenes have been searched by police as part of their investigation, including Ms Morgan’s Home in Cole Rd, another in Kenny Dr, and a burnt-out car that was found abandoned on the Oxley Highway, 17km west of Tamworth.
Items of interest were seized from each scene to undergo forensic testing.
On Ms Morgan’s 41st birthday on September 11, her family used a candlelight vigil to continue their search for answers about their missing mother, grandmother and sister.
Last month, investigators said some members of the public had refused to co-operate with the police investigation.
“Unfortunately, there is a number of people that haven’t been too forthcoming with information, we believe there is several people who have information that can basically crack this case and lead us to where or what’s happened to Johann,” Detective Acting Inspector Jason Darcy said at the time.
“And we again appeal to those people to come forward and, for the sake of the Morgan family, let us know where Johann is or what’s happened to Johann.”
