Cecilia Devine: Police offer $500,000 reward for information on death of woman who went missing in Waratah

Police have announced a $500,000 reward to help track down those responsible for the death of a talented singer and songwriter six years ago.

Cecilia Devine, who was also known as Kristen Pearson, was reported missing from Waratah on September 5, 2018 after family and friends were unable to locate or contact her.

She was last seen getting directions at a hotel in Katoomba in the Blue Mountains on September 6, 2018 before withdrawing $700 from an ATM and making purchases at Coles and Rivers Clothing Store.

The 41-year-old’s naked body was found lying face up in shallow water by a Water NSW scientist working at the Upper Cascade Creek dam on March 18, 2019.

Detectives from Blue Mountains Police Area Command, with assistance from State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad, established Strike Force Eking to investigate.

However, despite several appeals for information and a coronial inquiry, mystery still surrounds Ms Devine’s suspicious death.

Coroner Elizabeth Ryan narrowed down the timeframe of Ms Devine’s death to between September 6 and 13 but could not determine how the singer had died.

“I find there is insufficient evidence to establish what the cause or manner of Cecilia’s death was or to exclude the possibility that she died as a result of misadventure or of homicide,” Ms Ryan said on Tuesday to a courtroom filled with Ms Devine’s family and friends.

The coroner previously heard that Ms Devine had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

When she experienced a mental health episode, she would often throw away her mobile phone and walk long distances without telling people where she was.

However, friends and family were sceptical about claims she voluntarily walked to a remote, unfamiliar location like the dam, saying she normally sought assistance at safe places like hospitals.

During a land search of the catchment area, police only found a single shoe belonging to Ms Devine but did not locate the rest of her clothes or belongings.

An orange towel with the DNA of an unknown male was also found in bushland near the dam.

A mapping business that conducted aerial fly-bys of areas including Katoomba provided police with an image of the Upper Cascades Dam taken on September 13, 2018.

In this photo, an object the shape of a body was seen floating in the water around 65 metres from where Ms Devine’s body was found six months later.

An expert in forensic decomposition chemistry gave evidence that it was feasible the 41-year-old’s clothing had naturally separated from her body over time while she was in the water.

However, it was not possible to definitively conclude that this is what actually happened, Ms Ryan said.

The deputy state coroner offered her sincere sympathies to those grieving her death.

“They have lost a person whom they loved very much and to their deep sadness is the added distress of not knowing what happened to her,” she said.

On Tuesday, after the coroner released her findings, the NSW Government and NSW Police Force posted the $500,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for her death.

Superintendent John Nelson said he hoped this reward would encourage people who may have seen Cecilia to come forward.

“Prior to her disappearance, Cecilia travelled from Newcastle to Katoomba, yet we still don’t have firm evidence of how she got here, why she made the journey, or how she died,” Supt Nelson said.

“We are urging anyone who saw Cecilia at the time she was reported missing, or who has any information about her whereabouts at the time, to contact police. This information could very well be the missing puzzle piece for this investigation.

“Today’s coronial findings have handed the investigation back to police and we are committed to finding the answers the NSW community and Cecilia’s family deserve,” he said.

Cecilia’s mother, Kathy Pearson, welcomed the announcement of the reward.

“Cecilia — who was also known as Kristen — was a much-loved daughter, sister, and friend who was taken from us too soon in terrible circumstances,” Ms Pearson said.

“She was a talented singer and songwriter, with a sparkling smile, infectious laugh, and a big heart.

“We hope that this reward encourages anyone with information to come forward and help the police to provide answers and peace of mind to our family,” she said.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.

Information is treated in strict confidence.

Lifeline 13 11 14

beyondblue 1300 22 4636

— with AAP