Shyanne-Lee Tatnell: Scottsdale man, 36, charged with murder
A 36-year-old Scottsdale man has been charged with the murder of missing teenager Shyanne-Lee Tatnell, whose remains were discovered on Wednesday evening. Here’s when he will appear in court.
Launceston
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Police have charged a 36-year-old Scottsdale man with murder in relation to the disappearance of Shyanne-Lee Tatnell, whose likely remains were discovered in bushland at Nabowla on Wednesday evening.
The man has been detained to appear in the Launceston Magistrates Court on Friday.
Human remains found on a bush track near Nabowla this week are believed to be Shyanne-Lee; however further forensic confirmation is required, Tasmania Police said in a statement.
“It is because of the outstanding police work throughout this investigation that we have been able to reach this point, and provide closure for Shyanne-Lee’s family,” Northern District Commander Kate Chambers said.
“We are also thankful for the community’s support, and everyone involved in the search for Shyanne-Lee. Our thoughts remain with her family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
Shyanne-Lee was last seen in the vicinity of the North Esk River in Launceston on 30 April, 2023.
July 27, 3.30pm: A 36-year-old Scottsdale man taken into custody on Thursday in relation to the disappearance of missing Burnie teenager Shyanne-Lee Tatnell, 14, is yet to be charged with any offences.
It comes as Northern District Commander Kate Chambers revealed more about the discovery of remains at Nabowla, west of Scottsdale, on Wednesday night.
Commander Chambers said that police have confirmed the remains as human, and while forensic testing would be required to confirm the identity beyond doubt, police were confident they belonged to Shyanne-Lee.
“Today’s a really significant step forward in that journey towards finding answers,” Commander Chambers said.
She said that the remains were discovered a short distance from a “bush track” located off Bridport Back Rd by a person searching the 50 sqkm area by foot.
Commander Chambers said she had offered her personal support to the team that located the remains.
“It’s obviously been a tiring and emotional time for them. I spoke personally with the team [on Wednesday] who located the remains. They were immensely proud of contributing towards this journey towards finding answers for Shyanne-Lee’s family,” she said.
Asked about a Buckneys Rd, Scottsdale property that police have declared a crime scene, Commander Chambers said she was “not going to go into investigative details”.
“We have been following a very specific line of inquiry,” she said.
“There have been, as you know, previous search activities undertaken and items of interest have been seized and analyzed as part of a forensic examination. The investigation is continuing and those inquiries will continue.”
Commander Chambers likewise said she would not go into the circumstances of the man’s arrest, save to say that he was arrested in Launceston in the early afternoon of Thursday.
She said she was proud of the police work that had so far gone into the case.
“I said to the lead investigator [Detective Inspector Andrew Hanson] sometime ago, whatever you need, you will have, and we have maintained that commitment throughout this investigation,” she said.
Commander Chambers said that the multi-agency operation launched on Wednesday, featuring 180 personnel, was the largest search effort in Northern Tasmania she had seen in her 28-year career.
“The level of commitment and dedication, the passion that I have seen, in finding answers to this case has just been incredible,” she said.
“It’s not just been our detectives and our investigators, who are seasoned and experienced here in the North of the state.
“We have had people from right around the state. We’ve had analysts and specialists. We’ve had not only police officers, but we’ve had State Emergency Service.
“We’ve had amazing support from NSW Police, Queensland Police, and of course our partners in the Australian Federal Police, as well as our local volunteers, who have been incredible.”
Shyanne-Lee, who was from Burnie but relocated to Launceston to live in a youth shelter shortly before her disappearance, was last seen crossing the Henry St bridge heading towards Ravenswood just after 8.30pm on April 30.
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