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SA Police said yesterday they are very confident they found 39-year-old Susan’s remains and have since charged a man with murder.
Susan disappeared in 2002 and, until yesterday, her body had never been found.
Major crime detectives discovered human remains while digging up a backyard in Port Lincoln in the state’s Eyre Peninsula.
Police then arrested and charged a 64-year-old man from Port Lincoln with murder.
He is expected to appear in Port Lincoln Magistrates Court today.
Both of Susan’s parents have died but police spoke to her partner and sister yesterday.
Susan’s family thanked police for their exhaustive search for her remains and said they now have the answers “we’ve been looking for after such a long time”.
“We’d also like to give a heartfelt thank you to the people who have been on this journey with us over the years, both in friendship and through investigations – your ongoing support, care and pursuit of the truth have meant more than these few words can say,” the family said in a statement.
“You’ve helped carry us through some of the hardest moments and we are incredibly grateful for that.
“Now begins a very personal journey for us as we try to come to terms with what’s happened; laying Sue to rest once this is over so that she can be at peace with family that has gone before her and finding some sense of peace and acceptance within ourselves.”
The family asked for privacy following an “emotional and difficult time”.
“We’re dealing with a lot and we ask for privacy and space so that we can look after our mental health and support each other,” the statement ended.
Susan was reported missing on Friday, July 18, 2002, from her home on Moonta Crescent at Port Lincoln.
She was last seen around lunchtime that day, after shopping at Coles and Woolworths in Port Lincoln.
Police previously offered a $200,000 reward for any information which led to a conviction or discovery of Susan’s remains.