The final text message a Queensland mother received from her sister, Jana Armstrong, just hours after they shared brunch, was likely sent by someone else, according to Armstrong's sister, Faith Isaacs. Isaacs expressed her belief that the message, which stated Armstrong was "Going to Brisbane...", was uncharacteristic and did not align with her sister's typical communication style.
Armstrong, 30, was reported missing on July 8 after her white Hyundai Kona SUV was found abandoned near her home in Toowoomba. The vehicle was unlocked and parked unusually, with a child's car seat in the back. Police contacted Isaacs, initiating a search that led to the discovery of Armstrong's remains on Saturday evening in remote bushland near Esk Hampton Road.
Police allege Armstrong was strangled and that her former partner, 48-year-old maxi-taxi driver Dharminder Singh, is responsible. Singh has been charged with domestic violence murder and remains in custody. His lawyer has stated the accused is distressed and maintains his innocence.
Isaacs, who is now preparing to raise Armstrong's four-month-old son, Deshal, with her husband Michael, described the final text as "weird." Armstrong had no known friends in Brisbane and typically responded directly to questions, unlike the text that ignored Isaacs' query about a local fire. Isaacs now believes her sister did not send this message.
Singh, who was married to another woman and had two children with her, had an on-again, off-again relationship with Armstrong. The couple welcomed baby Deshal despite Singh's existing marriage. Isaacs revealed that Singh had recently re-entered Armstrong's life after she had ended their relationship before Deshal's birth, reportedly after discovering Armstrong was in the early stages of a new relationship.
Isaacs noted that in the days before her disappearance, Armstrong seemed guarded. While Isaacs and her husband initially dismissed a "funny look" Armstrong had after their brunch meeting, she now regrets not checking on her sister, believing Armstrong may have been trying to shield them from personal troubles, especially after Isaacs and her husband had recently lost their own newborn daughter, Lehara.
Armstrong met Singh through her work as a support worker, encountering him as a patron of his maxi-taxi service. Isaacs recalled Singh's charm, noting that he presented himself differently four years ago. She suggested Armstrong, who had experienced significant loss including the death of her parents after a divorce, may have been vulnerable and sought companionship.
Baby Deshal is currently in the care of Isaacs and her husband, who had recently lost their infant daughter. Isaacs expressed a strong maternal instinct and found comfort in caring for her nephew, though she acknowledged the adjustment to caring for a formula-fed baby. The couple had considered fostering and had a nursery prepared, making the sudden guardianship of Deshal a difficult but somewhat fitting transition.
Isaacs is exploring legal options, including adoption, to secure guardianship of Deshal, as Armstrong left no instructions regarding her child's care. A community memorial is scheduled for Friday in Toowoomba, and Armstrong is to be buried in Millmerran alongside her parents. A GoFundMe has been established to support Isaacs and her husband in caring for Deshal and covering funeral expenses.