Police believe they have found the body of Maryam Hamka, who has been missing for more than two years.
Victorian Missing Persons Squad detectives confirmed officers found what appear to be human remains as part of their ongoing investigation into the suspicious disappearance of Ms Hamka.
The 36-year-old Melbourne woman was last seen in a Woolworths supermarket on Albert St, Brunswick, on April 10, 2021.
She was reported missing by her family on April 15, 2021.
On Monday, investigators recommenced a search in the Cape Schanck area on the Mornington Peninsula.
The yet to be formally identified remains were found about 10.30am in bushland off Rogers Road, near Patterson Road.
The coroner will now prepare a report.
Ms Hamka’s on-again, off-again boyfriend Toby Loughnane, 42, was charged with her murder in 2021, while pool cleaner Oscar Newman, 27, has been charged with helping Mr Loughnane clean up the crime scene at the latter’s million-dollar Brighton home.
Both have pleaded not guilty and a trial date is yet to be set.
Crime Command Assistant Commissioner Mick Frewen said the discovery would be a chance for Ms Hamka’s family to find some closure following her death.
“Our heartfelt thoughts are with Maryam’s family and friends,” Mr Frewen said.
“The past two years have been an incredibly difficult time for them and their grief remains as raw as ever.
“The investigative efforts by the Missing Persons Squad, Crime Command and other members of Victoria Police have been tireless and extraordinary.
“Our members have worked under very difficult and trying conditions to ensure that every avenue of inquiry has been exhausted so we could provide answers to Maryam’s family.
“We know this has been an incredibly difficult and traumatic time for them.
“We hope that this will bring the closure they need and Maryam can finally be laid to rest.”
Missing Persons Squad detective Inspector Dave Dunstan said officers believe the human remains are those of Ms Hamyak.
More Coverage
But he said the coroner’s court will need to make the formal identification.
“Our heartfelt thoughts are with the Hamak family, the past two years have been incredibly difficult for them,” he said.
“The investigations has been an arduous and long one over the last couple of years, and the efforts of the squad has resulted in the finding of the remains earlier today.”
Read related topics:MelbournencG1vNJzZmivp6x7r7HWrGWcp51jrrZ7zZqroqeelrlwwsicq6iqmZZ8pL7IppxorpmYwbC%2ByJpkqaecnrCmecWipZ1lkqSxunnOn2SmmaKurq55x5qkpJldnrtur8CpnGark52ur6%2FKaKWer6NiwLW70bJmcZphlrKnspJpmW5tZ5qvp4OPbJ1uaWZmfXivj21ocJ4%3D