Bathurst: Police renew calls for information on missing teen Jessica Small

Police have renewed the call for information on a missing Bathurst teen and suspected murder victim in a case that is nearly 30 years old. Here’s what we know.

The ongoing mystery into the 1997 kidnapping and suspected murder of Bathurst teen Jessica Small continues, with police renewing calls for information surrounding the incident.

Jessica had been hanging out with a female friend outside the Amuse Me amusement centre in the early hours of October 26, 1997.

The 15-year-old and her friend attempted to hitch hike home and jumped into a white sedan driven by a man neither of them knew.

According to a statement released by police, the man stopped on Hereford St, Bathurst, and turned off the headlines before assaulting the girls, in attempt to detain them in the sedan.

Jessica’s friend managed to escape and alerted nearby residents, but the car drove off, leaving Jessica trapped inside.

It’s believed by investigators the car was last seen near Duramana Rd and Willot Close, Eglinton, and travelled towards Hill End.

Police are urging the public for information regarding the kidnapping and suspected murder of Jessica Small.

Jessica hasn’t been seen or heard from since, with a 2014 coronial inquest ruling she had likely been murdered.

The investigation into Jessica’s abduction continued under Strike Force Carica II, with the NSW Government offering a $1m reward for any information leading to an arrest and conviction for anyone responsible for her murder.

Jessica Small's kidnapping and suspected murder happened in 1997.

When the reward was announced in 2018, new information which identified additional witnesses was revealed, leading to the State Coroner granting a fresh inquest into Jessica’s death.

A further hearing is proposed and homicide squad commander Detective Superintendent Joe Doueihi said detectives from the strike force were looking into new lines of inquiry.

“To support this search for answers, anyone who may have held onto information since Jessica’s disappearance, is urged to come forward,” Det Supt 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 $1m reward for any information that leads to a conviction is still being offered.

Police are urging anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.