Dharminder Singh, the former partner of 30-year-old Jana Armstrong, appeared in Toowoomba Magistrates Court via video link on Monday, charged with her murder. Singh, a 48-year-old taxi driver, covered his face and appeared to sob during the brief hearing.
Discovery of Remains
Armstrong's body was found on Saturday by a group of pig hunters off the New England Highway on a winding rural road near Ravensbourne National Park, about 30 kilometres northeast of Toowoomba. She had been missing since 7 July, when she was last seen near her home in the Toowoomba suburb of Newtown. Her car was found a day later.
Charges and Court Appearance
Singh has been charged with murder (domestic violence offence), arson, and breach of a bail condition. Police allege that the day after Armstrong went missing, Singh wilfully and unlawfully set fire to a motor vehicle. Outside court, Singh's lawyer, Ramli Salehkon from Toowoomba Multicultural Legal Service, told reporters: "My client has cooperated with police in the course of the investigations into this matter. My client asserts his innocence." Singh intends to plead not guilty.
Grief and Support
More than a dozen members of Armstrong's family attended the court hearing, including her four-month-old baby, who was cradled by Armstrong's sister, Faith Isaacs. Isaacs told reporters: "He's doing pretty good. As good as he can be." She said her nephew was the reason she was getting out of bed in the morning. There has been an outpouring of grief in the Queensland city, with donations collected by Tony's Community Kitchen and flowers left outside Armstrong's home.
Case Adjourned
Magistrate Lisa O'Neil ordered a brief of evidence by 14 September, with the matter to be mentioned again on 1 October. Armstrong, a support worker, was described by family as a devoted mother. Police released footage on the day she went missing showing her cradling her son while wearing a green-and-white striped Country Road shirt, jeans, and thongs.
