What happened to Christine Neilan?

Homicide detectives have renewed an appeal for information on the first anniversary of Christine Neilan’s death at Lightning Ridge.

Just before 8am on Thursday 9 January 2020, emergency services were called to bushland near Sunflash Street and Black Prince Drive at Lightning Ridge, following the discovery of a woman’s body.

The woman was identified as 39-year-old Christine Neilan, and a post-mortem found she had died from serious head injuries.

When her body was found, Christine was wearing an orange and blue shirt with an indigenous pattern and black shorts.

Christine lived at Lightning Ridge since late 2019 and was known to walk around with her small white dog ‘Sooky’. Police have released a CCTV image of Christine at a Lightning Ridge supermarket at about 10.40am on Wednesday 8 January 2020.

She was last seen leaving her Lightning Ridge home for a walk without ‘Sooky’, between 11am to 11.30am the same day.

Homicide Squad Commander, Detective Superintendent Danny Doherty, said detectives were exploring several lines of inquiry to identify those involved in Christine’s suspected murder.

“It has been a year since this investigation began, and we thank those in the community who have already come forward.

“We are urging anyone who may have information – no matter how small – to come forward.

“This includes details of Christine’s associates prior to her death, or any sightings of Christine after 10.40am on Wednesday 8 January 2020.

“It’s likely there are people who know what happened, even if they weren’t directly involved.

“Christine’s family is still without answers, and we hope someone may be able to assist in obtaining justice for Christine,” Det Supt Doherty said.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Information is treated in strict confidence.

Pictured: Christine Neilan. PHOTO NSW POLICE