Burnt-Out Car With Body Found, Police Probe

Police investigate a burnt-out car matching a missing woman's registration after a body was found in the boot.

Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Accidents

Burnt-Out Car With Body Found, Police Probe

Alf Stewart reported Roo Stewart missing to police on Tuesday 17 November after he could not reach her while she was travelling home. On Thursday 19 November, David Langham discovered a burnt-out car in the middle of nowhere with a body in the boot, and its registration plate matches Roo Stewart's car.

Why it matters

The discovery turns a missing-person report into an active police investigation. Police have not yet confirmed the identity of the body, and the case remains under investigation.

The burnt-out vehicle's registration plate matches that of Roo Stewart, who was reported missing on 17 November. Police have not yet confirmed the identity of the body in the boot or how the vehicle came to be burnt.

The players

Alf Stewart

Alf Stewart is the father of Roo Stewart, who reported her missing to police after he could not reach her.

David Langham

David Langham is a police officer who investigated the burnt-out car and discovered the body in its boot.

The details

Roo Stewart was expected to be travelling home, and in one of her last messages she mentioned car troubles. Her father, Alf Stewart, gave police the details he had about her trip, and police later headed out to the scene with a colleague to investigate further.

Tuesday 17 November: Alf Stewart reports Roo Stewart missing to police.
Wednesday 18 November: Alf Stewart gives David Langham details of Roo's trip.
Thursday 19 November: David Langham discovers the burnt-out car with a body in the boot.

Legal Context

Cases in which a missing-person report leads to the discovery of a vehicle and a body follow a familiar investigative path in Australian policing. The outcome of this inquiry will depend on forensic identification and on the cause of the fire.

Residents in the area may see increased police activity while the scene is examined. Anyone with information about Roo Stewart's movements is encouraged to contact police.