A woman has been charged with the murder of a man who has been missing from Far North Queensland for more than six months.
Disappearance and investigation
Wayne Pedro Morseu, 71, was reported missing from his home in Mackay, Queensland, by his family on November 10 last year. His disappearance was treated as suspicious, with multiple bushland searches and crime scenes declared in the weeks and months since he vanished.
Arrest and charges
On Friday morning, police announced an arrest had been made. A 46-year-old woman, who is believed to have been living with Morseu in a domestic relationship, was taken into custody in Mackay. She has since been charged with one count each of murder and interference with a corpse. She is due to appear before Mackay Magistrates Court on Friday.
Police statement
Detective Superintendent Darrin Shadlow confirmed no body has been found, however, information provided by the public had helped lead to an arrest. “Every little bit of information from the public is vital to us and some of the information has assisted police in putting those pieces together,” he said.
Shadlow said investigating police had taken more than 120 witness statements since Morseu’s disappearance, some as recently as Friday, and had also taken more than 100 items as evidence.
Family informed
Shadlow said Morseu’s family were informed of the arrest early Friday morning. “They’re handling things as best they can, they are a tight family. They’ll surround each other and we’ll support them as well,” he said.
Appeal for information
Police are still seeking public assistance in finding Morseu’s remains and are asking anyone with information or CCTV or dashcam footage to contact police. Investigations remain ongoing.
