Jana Armstrong, 30, was found dead in bushland near Toowoomba, Queensland, three days after her car was discovered abandoned with her infant son inside their flat. Her former partner, Dharminder Singh, has been charged with her murder and has indicated a not guilty plea.
Just weeks earlier, Jana and her sister Faith Isaacs had made a pact to raise each other's children if one died. The agreement came after Faith's newborn daughter, Lehara, died from birth complications. Jana, who planned Lehara's funeral, was a maternal figure from childhood, caring for her disabled parents.
Sisters Bound by Tragedy
Faith recalled the pact: "Just because Jana and I are quite well aware of how unexpected life can be. And how short life can be." The sisters were inseparable, with Jana often taking the lead. Their cousin Hannah Sweedman said, "They were basically a package deal."
Jana became a mother to Deshal at 30. When she went missing, Faith knew she wouldn't return because Jana would never leave her son. "She loved every day, every minute spending time with her son," Faith told reporters.
Hidden Worries and a Final Brunch
On the day Jana went missing, the sisters had brunch. Faith now believes Jana was hiding concerns to protect her, as Faith was grieving. Jana worked as a support worker, and colleague Michael Platt described her as providing "genuine care."
Deshal is now living with Faith, who will raise him as her own. "He's doing all right in the sense that he's happy and he's looked after and he's fed. But, yeah, I can just see that he's missing his mum," Faith said.
Broader Context of Violence
Jana's death occurred during a crisis of violence against women in Australia, with two women and two girls allegedly murdered by men in four days. Support services are available for those affected by domestic violence.
