Human remains discovered in Far North Queensland have been formally identified through forensic analysis as belonging to a missing Newcastle man, Jayden Penno-Tompsett. The Queensland Police confirmed the identification on Friday, January 23, 2026, bringing a tragic conclusion to a search that spanned over eight years.
A Family's Heartbreaking Confirmation
Police contacted Rachel, Mr Penno-Tompsett's mother, on Friday to deliver the news that the remains had been positively identified as her son. A post on the family's community social media page expressed the mixed emotions of this development.
"Whilst this isn't the outcome we were praying for, we are grateful that Jay has finally been found," the family statement read.
The Disappearance on New Year's Eve 2017
Jayden Penno-Tompsett was last seen in the early hours of December 31, 2017, when he was 22 years old. He was near a roadhouse on Thompson Street in Charters Towers, Queensland, after having driven from Newcastle with friends for a holiday.
His friends reported that he was looking forward to getting out of Newcastle for a while and spending a week with mates in Cairns. However, the trip took a tragic turn after an argument with his travel partner, Lucas Tattersall.
It was revealed that Mr Penno-Tompsett left the vehicle Mr Tattersall was in during 39-degree heat, walked into nearby bushland, and was never seen alive again.
Extensive Search Efforts
An extensive multi-agency land search was conducted over several days in January 2018, involving numerous emergency services personnel. Despite these efforts, no trace of Mr Penno-Tompsett was found at that time.
The breakthrough came on October 20, 2025, when suspected human remains were discovered at a rural property in Breddan, near Charters Towers. This discovery led to the forensic analysis that ultimately provided the identification.
Ongoing Investigation
Queensland Police will now prepare a comprehensive report for the Coroner regarding Mr Penno-Tompsett's death. The investigation remains active as authorities work to understand the full circumstances surrounding this tragic case.
Police are urging anyone with information to come forward. Members of the public can contact Police Link 24 hours a day or call the dedicated phone number. Those wishing to provide information anonymously are encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers, quoting the specific reference number associated with this case.
This identification brings closure to a long-running missing person case that has deeply affected the Newcastle community and the man's family for more than eight years.
