Human remains discovered near a notorious stretch of highway in outback Queensland have now been officially identified as belonging to missing man Jayden Penno-Tompsett, who has been missing since late 2017. The confirmation brings a tragic end to an eight-year mystery that has haunted his family and the local community.
Forensic Analysis Confirms Identity
A Facebook page dedicated to finding Jayden revealed on Monday that police had informed his mother, Rachel Penno, that the remains found in Breddan three months ago are believed to be his. "On Friday night, police confirmed to Rachel that the remains have been forensically tested and identified as Jayden's," the post stated.
The Queensland Police Service confirmed that suspected human remains found at a rural property were subjected to forensic DNA analysis. On Friday, the results supported the findings that they were indeed those of Penno-Tompsett, providing long-awaited closure to his loved ones.
Discovery in a Remote and Notorious Location
The grim discovery was made on October 20, 2025, in Breddan, a remote area approximately one and a half hours southwest of Townsville. The location is near the Flinders Highway, which is often referred to as the "highway of death" due to its troubling history of disappearances. Since the 1970s, at least 11 people have vanished in this region, adding a chilling context to this case.
Background of Jayden Penno-Tompsett's Disappearance
Penno-Tompsett, a 22-year-old from Newcastle, disappeared on New Year's Eve 2017. He vanished after running into bushland near Charters Towers following an argument with his travel companion during a road trip to Cairns. The Queensland Police Service noted that he was last seen in the early hours of December 31, 2017, near a roadhouse on Thompson Street (Flinders Highway) in Charters Towers.
An extensive multi-agency land search was conducted over several days in January 2018, but he was never found. In 2022, a coronial inquest concluded that he most likely died from exposure to the elements, although his mother and other family members have publicly disputed these findings.
Family's Response and Request for Privacy
The Facebook post expressed mixed emotions, stating, "While this isn't the outcome we were praying for, we are grateful that Jay has finally been found." It extended heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported Rachel Penno over the past eight years, whether through searching, sharing Jayden's story, or offering love and warm wishes.
"Thank you to everyone who has supported Rach over the past eight years, whether that be by searching, sharing Jay's story or sending love and warm wishes throughout this time. We are forever grateful to you all," the post read. It also respectfully asked for privacy for Jayden's family during this incredibly difficult period as they process the news.
Ongoing Investigation
The Queensland Police Service will now prepare a report for the coroner as the coronial investigation continues. This step is standard procedure in such cases to ensure all aspects are thoroughly examined and documented.
This identification marks a significant, albeit sorrowful, milestone in a long-standing missing persons case that has captured public attention and highlighted the dangers associated with remote Australian highways.
