The family of Hemi Stewart, 44, are fearing foul play after his body was discovered in a Sydney creek on Friday morning. Stewart had been reported missing by NSW Police on Thursday and was last seen on Stoke Street in Schofields at 6 a.m. on August 3.
Officers searching bushland near Torry Burn Reserve in Baulkham Hills found Stewart's body face down in a creek. "They are devastated, absolutely devastated at the death of their loved one," NSW Police Detective Acting Superintendent Michelle Mathieson said of the family.
Miles Stewart's family, who have relatives in Australia and New Zealand, have expressed their strong suspicion that foul play may have been involved in his death. "It's a horrible feeling, nobody will understand, you know, losing a loved one so young," Stewart's aunt Wikitoria Roberts told 9News.
Detectives from Strike Force Lanrik are leading the investigation into the circumstances surrounding Stewart's death, examining whether it was suspicious. "I'm not sure if that's relevant to his passing but it could be," Ms. Mathieson stated when asked about the possibility of Stewart's past, including jail time and a home invasion last month, being relevant to the investigation.
A post-mortem examination is scheduled to be conducted in the coming days to determine the official cause of death, and a report will be prepared for the coroner. Police are appealing to the public for any information that may assist the investigation and urge anyone with relevant details to contact Castle Hill Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.