A 19-year-old Wagga Wagga man has been arrested and charged with the murder of Allecha Suzette Boyd, who has been missing for two months.
Ms Boyd, 27, went missing in the New South Wales Riverina and was last seen on August 10 in the town of Coolamon, north of Wagga Wagga.
A search of a forest near Coolamon in September failed to locate her body but yesterday police charged Anthony Shane Hagan with murder at a home in Gurwood Street.
Police seized a shortened rifle and ammunition after searching the property.
Ms Boyd's sisters, who live in Melbourne, travelled to Wagga Wagga recently to make appeals to the public to help find their sister.
Detective Inspector Darren Cloake said they were devastated.
"Last night we contacted them and broke the news that the male has been arrested. Certainly they were overwhelmed with emotion," he said.
"We facilitated some counselling around that family. We need support around the family and we also need that additional information regarding Allecha's location."
Police still searching for body
Police established Strike Force Amias to investigate Ms Boyd's disappearance, with officers suspecting she had met with foul play.
Detective Inspector Cloake said there were many more inquiries to be made about whether there were any more suspects and a motive for murder.
"Our ultimate aim is to locate the body of Allecha Boyd and we're still seeking information from the public in relation to her whereabouts," he said.
Mr Hagan was also charged with possessing an unauthorised prohibited firearm, possessing ammunition without a permit, not keeping a prohibited firearm safe and breach of bail.
He did not apply for bail during an appearance in Wagga Local Court, and requested not to appear on video screen.
He is due back before court in January.
