Inquest into the disappearance and suspected death of Belinda Shirely PEISLEY
Deceased
Belinda Shirley Peisley
Demographics
19y, female
Date of death
1998-09-26
Finding date
2013-10-11
Cause of death
Not determined - cause and manner of death could not be established as body was never located
AI-generated summary
Belinda Peisley, aged 19, disappeared on 26 September 1998 after leaving Blue Mountains Hospital in Katoomba, NSW. The coroner found it likely that she is deceased but could not determine the cause or manner of death as her body was never located. Evidence excluded natural causes, misadventure, and suicide. Multiple witnesses testified that she did not contact any government agencies, use her bank account substantially, or attempt to establish a new life. Key clinical note: when brought to hospital that evening, she had a laceration on her right hand, was intoxicated and uncooperative with examination. The coroner emphasised the importance of timely police reporting of suspected deaths and investigative response when high-risk missing person assessments are made. The case was referred to the Unsolved Homicide Unit for further investigation.
AI-generated summary and tagging — may contain inaccuracies; refer to original finding for legal purposes.
Contributing factors
- Body never located
- Missing person disappeared after leaving hospital in intoxicated state
- High-risk missing person report not immediately escalated to Homicide Squad
- Delayed reporting of suspected death to coroner (8 years after disappearance)
- Evidence of possible involuntary removal from home after hospital discharge
Coroner's recommendations
- That the Commissioner of Police consider amendment of NSW Police 'Missing Persons – Standard Operating Procedures' to require that where risk assessment indicates high or very high risk that the missing person has been victim of homicide or suspicious death, the Homicide Squad be immediately advised and assume leadership of investigation consistent with first 72-hour homicide investigation procedures
- That the investigation of the death of Belinda Shirley Peisley be referred to the Unsolved Homicide Unit of the NSW Homicide Squad for further investigation in accordance with that unit's protocols and procedures
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