Public appeal as police chase new leads in teen's 1997 murder

Jessica Small, 15, was last seen in the early hours of Sunday, October 26, 1997 after attending the Amuse Me amusement centre on Russell Street, Bathurst, with a female friend.

The girls were attempting to hitch-hike home and entered a white sedan driven by an unknown man.

Police were told the man stopped the car on Hereford Street, Bathurst, and turned off the headlights before assaulting both girls, trying to detain them in the car.

Jessica’s friend was able to escape and alert nearby residents, but the car drove off with Jessica still inside.

Investigators believe the last sighting of the vehicle was near Duramana Road and Willott Close, Eglinton, travelling toward Hill End.

Jessica has not been seen or heard from since. A 2014 coronial inquest found that she had likely been murdered.

The matter was referred to the Homicide Squad, who are continuing to re-investigate the circumstances.

In October 2018, a NSW government reward was increased to $1 million for information leading to the arrest and conviction of any person or persons responsible for Jessica’s murder.

Following the reward announcement, detectives received new information which identified additional witnesses, and are now working with the NSW Crime Commission to progress the investigation.

The coroner has granted a fresh inquest into Jessica’s suspected murder, and a further hearing is proposed to take place in due course.

Homicide Squad commander Detective Superintendent Joe Doueihi said detectives were exploring a number of new lines of inquiry in the search for the man responsible.

“To support this search for answers, anyone who may have held onto information since Jessica’s disappearance, is urged to come forward,” Doueihi said.

“Any piece of new information could be the key to solve this case and help provide much-needed answers to Jessica’s family about what happened to their daughter.”

The $1 million reward remains on offer.