What happens next after major breakthrough in William Tyrrell case

Reports have emerged that police have uncovered new details that could lead to a person being charged over the missing boy’s disappearance.

A major breakthrough in the case of missing boy William Tyrrell has left Australian’s wondering what comes next in almost a decade-old mystery.

Detectives believe they have enough to charge William’s foster mother over his disappearance, 9 News reported on Tuesday.

The development came just one day after the little boy’s 12th birthday.

Macedone Legal principal lawyer Sam Macedone appeared on the Today show on Wednesday morning to explain what happens next after the case was referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

“The DPP now has to decide whether they believe the brief of evidence that’s been supplied to them is sufficient for someone to be charged,” Mr Macedone said.

Detectives have recommended William Tyrrell’s foster mother be charged over his disappearance. Picture: NSW Police

“If that’s the case, they will then charge her.”

Detectives have recommended the boy’s foster mother – who cannot be named for legal reasons – be charged with perverting the course of justice and interfering with a corpse, 9 News reports.

She has always strenuously denied being involved with his disappearance.

The foster mother of missing boy William Tyrrell has strenuously denied involvement in his disappearance. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Swift

If she is charged, the matter will go before a Local Court and will remain there until the case is committed to trial.

If she enters a plea of not guilty, the case will be committed to the District Court and will be heard in front of a judge and jury.

“Not only has it been a long haul but it will be a long haul before we get to the end of this because it will take the best part of 18 months to get to a jury hearing,” Mr Macedone said.

Macedone Legal principal lawyer Sam Macedone explains the next step will be taken by the DPP. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Joel Carrett

“But at the end of the day, I dare say, public opinion will be split.”

NSW Police have declined to provide any details but confirmed the investigation was ongoing.

Since 2020, the case has been reviewed by a new set of detectives who carried out a huge search of the property where William was last seen.

William was three years old when he disappeared from a home in the small town of Kendall on the NSW mid-north coast in September 2014, last seen wearing a Spider-Man suit.

Despite dozens of officers searching bushland a kilometre from the house, there was no trace of any remains.

Foster mother speaks out

The foster mother released a letter to media on Wednesday urging the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to reveal any evidence relating to criminal offences.

Her lawyer Sharon Ramsden, a partner with Marsdens Law Group, claims they, nor the foster mother, were informed of any potential charges against the woman.

“His foster mother had previously been ruled out of any wrongdoing in relation to his disappearance,” Ms Ramsden said.

“She has always, and maintains, she has nothing to do with William’s disappearance. She desperately urges the police to resume the investigation into finding out what happened to William.”

Originally published as What happens next after major breakthrough in William Tyrrell case