TAMWORTH MAN CHARGED WITH THE MURDER OF JOHANN MORGAN
Detectives will allege a missing Tamworth mother-of-four who disappeared four months ago was murdered by her former partner in Tamworth.Troy Jason Ruttley has been charged with the murder of 41-year-old Johann Morgan after he was arrested by Oxley detectives at a Yulong St home in Dubbo on Monday night, following a four-month probe by police.
Ruttley was handcuffed when he was led into the dock of Dubbo Local Court on Tuesday for an out-of-sessions bail hearing, but was not required to enter a plea to the single count of murder.
Court documents suggest detectives will allege Ruttley murdered Ms Morgan in West Tamworth between August 8 and August 10 this year.
He was dressed in a blue t-shirt, green track pants, and thongs, and made no application for bail, which was formally refused by the court registrar.
He will remain in custody and is scheduled to appear via video link in Tamworth Local Court in January.
Strike Force Chiltern was launched by Oxley detectives in mid-August after Ms Morgan was reported missing on August 16, eight days after she was last seen in Cole Rd near her home.
Despite the arrest, police admit they are no closer to finding Ms Morgan's body.
Ruttley moved from Tamworth to Walgett in recent months but was traced to a Dubbo address before being arrested.
Several detectives remain investigating.
Ms Morgan's children posted emotional messages on Facebook following the arrest, expressing their love and longing for her.
Forensic examinations are ongoing on several seized items from three crime scenes, including Ms Morgan's home and another in Kenny Dr.
A white station wagon linked to Ms Morgan was found burned near Bective and remains a focus for investigators.
Police also searched waterways and paddocks between Coledale and Bective for clues, but have not found her remains.
Detectives continue to appeal for community assistance, emphasizing that Johann Morgan's body has not yet been recovered.
