Police identify remains of missing 22yo Jayden Penno-Tompsett nine years after mysterious Qld disappearance

Police have confirmed human remains found on a rural Queensland property belong to a missing Newcastle man not seen for nine years.

Jayden Penno-Tompsett, 22, was last seen in the early hours of December 31, 2017 near a roadhouse on the Flinders Highway at Charters Towers, southwest from Townsville.

He was travelling with a friend to Cairns to celebrate New Year’s Eve with others, who were in a separate car.

An extensive land search involving multiple agencies was launched in January 2018, but his remains were never found.

A breakthrough emerged in October last year after suspected human remains were found at a property in Breddan, near Charters Towers.

Jayden Penno-Tompsett, 22, was last seen in the early hours of December 31, 2017 near a roadhouse at Charters Towers. Picture: Supplied

Queensland Police confirmed human remains found on a property in Breddan, near Charters Towers, belonged to Mr Penno-Tompsett. Picture: Supplied
They were subject to forensic DNA analysis.

Queensland Police said the remains were confirmed as belonging to Mr Penno-Tompsett on January 23.

A report will be prepared for the coroner.

“A coronial investigation is ongoing,” police said in a statement, issued on Monday.

Rachel Penno, the mother of missing man Jayden Penno-Tompsett. Picture: Supplied
A Facebook page dedicated to finding Mr Penno-Tompsett also confirmed the grim news.

“On Friday night Police confirmed to Rachel (Mr Penno-Tompsett’s mother) that the remains have been forensically tested and identified to be Jayden,” a post on the page stated.

“Whilst this isn’t the outcome we were praying for, we are grateful that Jay has finally been found.

CCTV image of Mr Penno-Tompsett getting into the maroon car he was travelling in before he disappeared on January 31 near Charters Towers. Picture: Supplied

Mr Penno-Tompsett left his car after being unable to find a stash of drugs. Picture: Supplied
“We ask that you respect the privacy of Rachel and Jay’s family during this incredibly sad and difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.”

In 2021, a coroner found Mr Penno-Tompsett likely died from exposure to the elements in bushland after leaving his car.

Evidence was given throughout the inquest that the 22-year-old was consuming drugs throughout the trip and he had become irate after not being able to locate a “stash” of the drug ice.

He was reportedly last seen on Stock Route Road, which is a semirural area on the outskirts of Charters Towers. In 2021, a coroner ruled out any suggestion of foul play in Mr Penno-Tompsett’s death. Picture: Supplied
“Jayden eventually parked the vehicle on the dirt road, grabbed his MDMA and wallet and smashed his phone on the ground, leaving it there and walking off. He had no water with him,” Coroner Nerida Wilson found.

Coroner Wilson ruled out any suggestion of foul play in Mr Penno-Tompsett’s death.