Disappearance Of Jessica Small

2023-02-08 08:40:00 Written by Alex

25 years ago today, NSW Central West teenager Jessica Small arranged to meet her friend in town, telling her mum she "wouldn't be home late".

Her family has been enduring a catastrophic nightmare since Jess, at 15, was taken after she and a friend accepted a ride from a stranger.

Jess and her best friend Vanessa Conlan were at a Russell Street amusement park in Bathurst before they accepted a ride to Kelso from a man driving a white Commodore. During the ride, the car stopped in Hereford Street and a struggle took place. 


According to reports, the man driving the car stopped on Hereford Street in Bathurst, turned off the headlights, and attacked both girls, attempting to keep them captive in the vehicle. Jessica's friend was able to escape and notify those nearby, however, the car drove off with Jessica still inside.


Authorities believe the last sighting of the car was near Duramana Road and Willott Close in Eglinton, heading towards Hill End.

Ricki Small, Jess's mother, stated that despite the time that has passed, she will never give up hope of bringing Jess home and giving her a dignified burial. "The last 25 years have been devastating, but I hold on to the hope that we will someday be able to bring her home," she said.

Ricki Small, who has continuously advocated for justice for her daughter, mentioned that life continues to move forward despite the constant pain and suffering she and her family endure. "Unfortunately, life goes on and I will soon become a great-grandmother next year. I can only pray that something will finally give us closure and bring my beautiful Jessica Beth back to us," she said.

 

Ricki expressed that her grief remains just as intense as the day Jess vanished and nothing can ease the heartache of losing her daughter. "It shatters me every moment of every day, even after all these years," she said. To add to the family's agony, an inquest revealed that the initial police investigation into the abduction was inadequate, worsening their suffering.

 

 

Jessica Small:  Disappearance Of Jessica Small

 

Adding to the family's sorrow is the realization that the original police investigation into Jess's abduction was deemed insufficient during an inquest. In 2017, an inquest determined that the detectives handling the case did not take any action in the hours, days, and months following her abduction. Vital leads were disregarded and witnesses were neglected.


In 2014, when the case was presented to Coroner Sharon Freund, she stated that the shortcomings of the initial investigation were a "blatant indictment" on the detectives responsible for the initial investigation.
In January 2015, a $100,000 NSW Government reward was announced for information leading to the arrest and conviction of any person/s responsible for Jessica’s murder.

 

The matter was referred to detectives from the Homicide Squad’s Unsolved Homicide Unit, who are continuing to re-investigate the circumstances surrounding Jessica’s abduction and suspected murder under Strike Force Carica II.

To assist with ongoing investigations, the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Troy Grant, announced the NSW Government reward for information has been increased to $1million.

 

For Jess's family, the knowledge that the police at the time did nothing just makes it all the more difficult.
Ms. Small said she "still can't believe what went down".
Anyone with information on the kidnapping of Jessica Small is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Information is treated in strict confidence.