Strike Force Barca breakthrough: utility recovered after suspected homicide of New England man, Darren Willis, NSW

Police investigating the suspected murder of New England man Darren Royce Willis have recovered a utility believed to be linked to his disappearance.

Strike Force Barca was formed by officers from New England Police District to investigate Mr Willis’ disappearance and suspected homicide.

As a result of a public appeal for information on Wednesday 6 February 2019, investigators can confirm the 1980 model XD Ford cream/yellow utility depicted in photographs has been located and seized.

Detectives believe the vehicle is of significant forensic value and it is undergoing forensic examination.

During the same appeal, new information not previously known by police was obtained. This has assisted investigators to confirm Mr Willis’ last movements.

Previously, investigators had focused their inquiries over a seven-day period from Friday 10 December 2010, when it was thought Mr Willis was last seen by members of the public leaving the Sportsmans Hotel at Bingara.

The fresh information provided has allowed investigators to focus in on a particular day during that week. We now expect to narrow down the movements of both Mr Willis, and those responsible for his murder, on that particular day.

Detectives are urging any person that believes they had contact with Mr Willis in any way prior to his death to look through any physical records they may hold. This may include diaries, accounts, or phone records that would assist with their recollections of dates.

Anyone with information can contact Strike Force detectives at Moree Police Station on (02) 67570799 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Police wish to thank the community for their ongoing support in this tireless investigation.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.

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