Wiradjuri woman found murdered in Bourke, NSW - police appeal to public for information

Giovanni Torre Published October 31, 2024 at 9.00am (AWST)

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Bourke Police Station. Image: ABC.

WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised this story contains the name of a deceased Indigenous person.

A woman who was found dead on the side of a remote road in western New South Wales has been identified as Wiradjuri mother of two Mavis Stanley.

The Daily Telegraph reports family and friends of Ms Stanley are "devastated" after the 47-year-old's body was discovered on Parkdale Rd in Bourke shortly after 8am on Tuesday.

Her death is being treated as a murder, with homicide detectives assisting the investigation.

Police are questioning a 49-year-old man over the suspicious death. It is understood the man was known to Ms Stanley. It is also understood police are investigating the possibility the death was caused by domestic violence.

A family friend told The Telegraph Ms Stanley was due to return home to Wellington to care for her sick mother before her body was found on the roadside.

"Mavis will be missed by those who loved her," the friend said.

The discovery of Mr Stanley's body led to an outpouring of grief online from community members.

"Rest In Peace Aunty Mavis Stanley. Sending love and strength to all in mourning today," one post read.

"Oh my sista Mavis Stanley. Such sad news to wake up to. Rest easy sis. I'll remember all our times together," another read.

"This is so sad. God bless her, may she rest in peace. My heart, thoughts, prayers and condolences are with her children and family."

Police are appealing for anyone who saw Ms Stanley before her death, or who has any information that could assist the investigation, to come forward. Image: Daily Telegraph.

Central North Police District responded to reports on Tuesday morning that the body of a woman had been found on Parkdale Road.

Officers established a crime scene with specialist police called in to aid the investigation in Bourke.

It is understood police are working to ascertain Ms Stanley's last movements and who she may have been with before her death.

NSW Police are urging anyone who was in the area at the time to come forward with information, and also appealing for anyone with dashcam or mobile phone footage taken at the location of the incident around the time in question to contact Bourke Police Station or Crime Stoppers - 1800 333 000.