Joanne Sheen's body has been found in a forest located in southwest London, nearly seven years after her disappearance. This discovery came following a recent fire in the Padstow Walk area of Feltham.
Investigation and Identification
The Metropolitan Police were dispatched on the evening of August 12 after bones belonging to a woman aged between 25 and 45 were found. With the identification of Joanne Sheen, investigations into her murder have begun. The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police are now responsible for this case.
A 56-year-old man from Southampton has been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder and is currently in police custody. Joanne, a mother of three, disappeared on December 5, 2019, after traveling from Fareham to her home. Her family reported her missing in February 2020, but no trace of her was found.
Details of the Investigation
Joanne Sheen was identified through comprehensive forensic examinations and DNA testing. A spokesperson for the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police stated that over 4,000 lines of inquiry have been established, more than 300 statements have been taken, and thorough searches have been conducted at over 10 addresses and on several vessels.
Specialist teams have also searched waterways and forests around Southampton. The spokesperson added: “Today we arrested a 56-year-old man from Southampton on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder. He is currently in custody, and our investigation continues.”
The senior investigating officer, Chief Inspector Toby Elcock, described this discovery as a significant breakthrough in a long and complex investigation. He added: “While this tragic discovery is not the outcome that Joanne's family or any of us hoped for, we hope that the identification of her body can at least provide answers after years of uncertainty.”
The police have urged the public to come forward with any information regarding Joanne's disappearance, particularly about her movements before she went missing. Any information, no matter how small it may seem, could assist in solving this case.
