What happened to Cecilia Devine? Police intensify investigation into cold case of singer’s naked body found in a dam five years ago

A $500,000 reward has been offered to solve the mystery surrounding the death of a woman whose naked body was found in a dam 200 kilometers from home.

The remains of Cecilia Devine, also known as Kristen Pearson, were found in a water treatment plant at the Upper Cascade Creek Dam in the Blue Mountains, west of Sydney, on March 19, 2019.

The 42-year-old singer-songwriter was living and working in Newcastle, north of Sydney, at the time.

She was last seen shopping at Coles and withdrawing money from an ATM in Katoomba six months earlier.

CCTV from September 6, 2018 showed Ms Devine wearing a bright yellow cardigan, black trousers and carrying an orange bag.

Despite extensive investigations, police have been unable to discover what happened to her but are treating her death as suspicious.

A coronial inquest held earlier this year ruled that Ms Devine died between September 6 and 13, 2018, but was unable to determine how she died.

On Tuesday, the coronial findings returned the investigation to the police, who renewed their public appeal and announced a reward of $500,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone responsible.

Cecilia Devine’s remains were found in a water treatment plant at Upper Cascade Creek Dam in March 2019

The last known image of Ms Devine taken by CCTV in the Blue Mountains town of Katoomba on 6 September 2018

Superintendent John Nelson hopes the reward will encourage anyone who saw Cecilia to come forward.

“Prior to her disappearance, Cecilia traveled from Newcastle to Katoomba, but we still do not have solid evidence as to how she got here, why she made the journey or how she died,” Supt Nelson said.

“We would ask anyone who saw Cecilia at the time she was reported missing, or who has any information about her whereabouts at the time, to contact the police.

“This information could very well be the missing piece of the puzzle in this investigation.

‘We are committed to finding the answers the NSW community and Cecilia’s family deserve.’

A coronial inquest held earlier this year determined that Cecilia Devine died between 6 and 13 September 2018

Ms Devine’s mother, Kathy Pearson, welcomed the increased investigation.

“Cecilia – who was also known as Kristen – was a much-loved daughter, sister and friend who was taken from us too soon in terrible circumstances,” she said.

She was a talented singer and songwriter with a bright smile, an infectious laugh and a big heart.

“We hope this reward encourages anyone with information to come forward and help police provide answers and peace of mind for our family,” she said.

Investigations under the command of Strike Force Eking continue.