Police now fear Ballarat mum Kobie Parfitt has been murdered

Detectives have narrowed down Ballarat mum Kobie Parfitt’s final movements, but it’s led to a sinister discovery.

Ballarat woman Kobie Parfitt. The 43-year-old was last seen in the Ballarat area during April and has not been seen since. Source: Victoria Police

A mother-of-four missing for the past seven months has been murdered, police now believe.

Detectives from the missing persons squad say they have made significant headway in the past week, narrowing down Kobie Parfitt’s final movements as the investigation into her disappearance intensifies.

Detective Insp. Andrew Stamper said inquiries in the Ballarat area since last Sunday led them to believe she was last seen alive at a house in Hickman St.

That sighting, on April 28, is believed to have happened on the day the 43-year-old was murdered.

Her bank account and phone have been untouched since that day.

Ms Parfitt, who had previously worked in disability support and aged care, lived in central Ballarat and was estranged from her family.

Kobie Parfitt was last seen in the Ballarat area during April and has not been seen since. Picture: Victoria Police

Insp. Stamper said police knew there were more people in the community with information on what happened to Ms Parfitt and who was responsible for her death.

“We have received a significant amount of information since Sunday and as a result, our investigation has gained significant momentum,” he said.

“While we feel we are close to getting to the bottom of what happened to Kobie, we are once again urging anyone who knows anything to come forward.

Insp. Stamper said this included anyone who was involved with what happened to her.

“It’s only a matter of time before we find them,” he said.

Ms Parfitt’s mother Kathy Snowball this week told the Herald Sun she had been living a nightmare.

She said her daughter was a beautiful person who had lost her way in life.

“I just hope that someone out there that knows something can please stop this nightmare that we’re living,” Ms Snowball said.

Ms Parfitt is 168cm tall, of medium build and has long brown hair.

Anyone with information regarding Kobie’s death can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or file a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

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