URGENT UPDATE: Authorities have confirmed the discovery of a woman’s body in a car parked outside the Lake Illawarra Police Station, raising urgent questions about her circumstances. The body of a 48-year-old woman was found around 4:30 PM on Friday, under a large blanket in the back seat of a locked Toyota Yaris.
Assistant Commissioner Joe Cassar revealed that the woman’s body was in an advanced state of decomposition, likely due to the extreme heatwave conditions that blanketed the region in recent days. “It’s very, very sad,” he stated, emphasizing the tragic nature of the finding.
Police believe the woman arrived at the station on Tuesday evening and interacted with officers, though the details of their conversation remain unclear. After spending some time inside, she exited the foyer and returned to her vehicle, which had not been moved for several days. Officers noticed the car due to its long-standing presence in the parking area, leading them to investigate further.
“The windows had a very dark tint and were dirty, making it difficult to see inside,” Mr. Cassar explained. “It wasn’t obvious there was a body in there until an officer had to break the window.” The discovery has raised significant concerns, prompting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death.
As part of the investigation, police are currently reviewing CCTV footage from the area. A critical incident has been declared, which is standard protocol in cases of police-related deaths or serious injuries. This declaration sets in motion oversight measures, including the involvement of detectives from a different command and an independent review by the Professional Standards Command. Additionally, the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission will oversee the probe, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Police are in the process of preparing a report for the coroner, which will provide further insights into the case. The community is urged to stay tuned for updates as authorities continue to investigate this tragic incident.
This shocking discovery serves as a grim reminder of the urgent need for support and resources for individuals experiencing homelessness and mental health challenges. The local community is encouraged to discuss ways to improve outreach and assistance for vulnerable populations.
Stay connected for the latest developments on this unfolding story.
