A three-day search for missing woman Jessica Zrinski is underway in the New South Blue Mountains, a year and a half after she went missing from Sydney's western suburbs.

Blue Mountains

**Search Underway in Bushland for Missing NSW Woman**

A comprehensive search operation has begun in the New South Wales Blue Mountains as authorities continue their investigation into the disappearance of Jessica Zrinski. Disappearing a year and a half ago from the western suburbs of Sydney, the ongoing efforts to locate Zrinski have now led to a targeted search in a specific area of the Blue Mountains, indicating a significant step forward in the case.

Jessica Zrinski, 30, was last observed riding in the passenger seat of a blue sedan, with new developments suggesting this area in the Blue Mountains might hold the key to uncovering her fate. Supported by information that has guided their efforts, police along with specialized teams, are combing an extensive and challenging terrain in hopes of finding clues. The search operation includes the participation of the Dog Squad, Rescue and Bomb Disposal Unit, and State Emergency Service (SES) personnel, all brought together to assist homicide detectives.

The focus of the search is on a rugged and expansive section of State Forest, located approximately 13 kilometers north of the Jenolan Caves. This demanding environment is described as challenging, illustrating the complexities involved in the search. Despite the daunting nature of the task, the use of dogs trained to detect human remains gives a semblance of hope in locating Zrinski.

Jessica's disappearance traces back to a Sunday night in November, two years prior, marking her last confirmed sighting at a service station in Horsley Park. She was accompanied by an individual identified as the last person to see her alive, whom she had met shortly before at the Greenfield Tavern. The subsequent movements of the car they travelled in, including a stop in Mount Victoria where damage to the vehicle was noted, form crucial elements of the investigation.

Amid the extensive efforts to uncover the truth, a significant reward has been offered to aid in the resolution of the case, emphasizing the determination to bring closure to Jessica's family. The search in the New South Wales Blue Mountains represents a poignant chapter in the relentless pursuit of answers in this distressing mystery.



Search underway in bushland for missing NSW woman

It must be absolutely agonising, not being able to do anything but watch and wait to hear if their niece has been dumped in this cold, rocky ground. But this is where police believe the body of Jessica Zrinski lies. Police will have received information or intelligence from another source, so that could be technology, for example, they may have tracked cars, mobile phones, that kind of thing, or somebody may have given them a tip off. Today is day one of a three-day search. The Dog Squad, Rescue and Bomb Disposal Unit and SES have been brought in to help homicide detectives find the missing 30-year-old. And they will be dogs specifically trained to look for human remains and they're very good over small, discreet areas, so if she is out there, there is a good chance that they will find her. The search area is immense. It's about 13 kilometres north of the Janolan Caves in State Forest. The search area isn't just immense, it's pretty unforgiving too. I mean, take a look around. It's needle in the haystack stuff. Even police say it's a rabbit warren in there. And while Jessica's family recognise it's a peaceful resting spot, they say they need her home for closure and that's exactly what police are trying to do. A smiling Jessica was last seen in the passenger seat of a blue sedan at a Horsley Park Servo on a Sunday night in November, two years ago. The man who emerged from the driver's side seat, a man she'd just met, was the last person police believe saw her alive. Jessica met him in the car park of the Greenfield Tavern around 10pm. 15 minutes later, they made that fuel stop at Horsley Park, then headed west to the Blue Mountains. It was then seen at Mount Victoria the next morning, pulling into another Servo with a tree branch wedged in the door. Jessica was still in the front seat. A year later, a half a million dollar reward was offered to help hunt down her killer. The man that has battened the face of my family's grief for their year, I hope he comes forward. Maybe not, but hopefully some answers. Amanda Hart for 10 News First.

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