Human remains have been discovered during the hunt for missing teen Shyanne-Lee Tatnell, according to Tasmania Police.
After a massive ground and air search on Wednesday, the bodies were discovered on a bush trail near Nabowla, west of Scottsdale.
Shyanne-Lee went missing on April 30th, almost three months ago.
Northern District Commander Kate Chambers stated that a crime scene had been designated at a Scottsdale home as well as the location where the bodies were discovered.
“It is with a heavy heart that I can confirm that remains were located late this afternoon during our extensive search,” Commander Chambers said.
“While these have not yet been forensically confirmed, they are believed to be human remains.
“We have been in regular contact with Shyanne-Lee’s family throughout the investigative process, and have notified them about this latest development. Our thoughts continue to be with them and Shyanne-Lee’s loved ones during this difficult time.”
Police said they were “following a specific line of inquiry, however no charges have been laid at this stage.”
Tasmania Police, with the assistance of New South Wales, Australia Police, the Australian Federal Police, SES and volunteers, launched what’s believed to be Northern Tasmania’s largest police operation on Wednesday in the search for clues as to Shyanne-Lee’s whereabouts.
A specialist cadaver dog was also brought in from NSW to scour the North Esk River.
When asked why those resources were not brought in previously, Detective Inspector Andrew Hanson said the investigation had turned to one that’s exploring a “criminal element”.
“There was always the potential for some sort of criminal element to be involved,” he said on Wednesday afternoon.
“We are out there this week to explore the information and validate it.
“Our investigative team has spent considerable time scouring CCTV, interviewing witnesses, and meticulously following up every lead.
“Our search efforts this week are as a result of our commitment to locate Shyanne-Lee. We are doing everything in our power to make that happen.”
Police will provide a further update at noon Thursday.
