A 55-year-old Queensland man has been charged with the murder of Jana Armstrong, a woman who disappeared from her Brisbane home in April 2023 and has not been seen since. Police allege the man killed Armstrong and then disposed of her body, though her remains have not been found.
Arrest and charges
The accused, whose name has not been released, was arrested on Tuesday morning at a property in the Brisbane suburb of Moorooka. He has been charged with one count of murder and is expected to appear in Brisbane Magistrates Court on Wednesday. Detective Superintendent Andrew Massingham of the Queensland Police Service said the investigation had been complex and lengthy. “This is a significant breakthrough in what has been a very difficult case for Jana’s family and friends,” he said.
Background of the case
Jana Armstrong, 34, was last seen leaving her home in the inner-northern suburb of Windsor on the evening of 14 April 2023. She was reported missing two days later when she failed to show up for work. Police initially treated her disappearance as suspicious, and a extensive search involving drones, sniffer dogs, and volunteers failed to locate her. In the months that followed, detectives appealed for public assistance and examined phone records and CCTV footage. The breakthrough came after a review of evidence led to the arrest of the suspect, who police say was known to Armstrong.
Impact and ongoing investigation
Armstrong’s family released a statement expressing relief that charges have been laid but also grief that her body has not been found. “We still need to bring Jana home,” they said. “We urge anyone with information to come forward.” Police continue to search for Armstrong’s remains, focusing on areas around Brisbane and the Gold Coast. Detective Superintendent Massingham noted that the investigation remains active. “We are committed to finding Jana and providing closure to her family,” he said. The accused man is being held in custody and will face court this week.
