The body of missing Toowoomba mother Jana Armstrong has been found in remote bushland west of Brisbane, bringing a tragic end to an intensive search that gripped Queensland over the past week.

Queensland Police announced on Sunday that human remains discovered near Redbank Creek, off Esk Hampton Road, are believed to be those of the 30-year-old disability support worker, who disappeared from her Newtown home on 7 July.

Shortly after the discovery, police arrested 48-year-old Dharminder Singh, the father of Ms Armstrong’s four-month-old son and her former partner. He has been charged with one count of murder (domestic violence offence) and is scheduled to appear before the Toowoomba Magistrates Court on Monday. At this stage, the charge has not been tested in court and Singh is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

The discovery followed a five-day investigation involving local police, specialist detectives, emergency services and hundreds of community volunteers who searched bushland around Toowoomba after Ms Armstrong vanished without explanation.

Ms Armstrong was last seen at her Newtown residence on the afternoon of 7 July. The following morning, her white Hyundai Kona was found unlocked and abandoned in the middle of a nearby road, immediately raising concerns about her welfare.

Friends and relatives quickly said her disappearance was completely out of character, noting she would never willingly leave behind her infant son.

Her family publicly described her as a devoted mother, sister and aunt whose life revolved around caring for her baby.

The disappearance prompted an extensive search across the Darling Downs region, with volunteers joining police in combing bushland, parks and surrounding rural areas in the hope she would be found alive.

Instead, members of the public located human remains late Saturday night in bushland near Redbank Creek, approximately 55 kilometres from Toowoomba. Police established a crime scene and commenced forensic examinations. While formal identification is still pending, investigators have said they believe the remains are those of Ms Armstrong.

Speaking on Sunday, Darling Downs Acting Detective Inspector Brian Collins described the alleged offence as a “horrific crime” and confirmed detectives believe Ms Armstrong was killed on the night she disappeared.

Police said Singh had been interviewed early in the investigation as a witness and had provided a statement before investigators gathered further evidence leading to his arrest.

Detectives also confirmed there were no domestic violence protection orders in place between Ms Armstrong and Singh. However, Acting Detective Inspector Collins said Singh was subject to a domestic violence order involving another former partner.

Investigators have not publicly detailed what evidence led to the murder charge, citing the ongoing investigation.

Police are continuing to examine the movements of Ms Armstrong’s Hyundai Kona and whether it may have been used after her death. Detectives have indicated vehicle movements between Toowoomba and the location where the body was discovered form a significant part of the investigation.

Authorities are appealing for anyone travelling between Toowoomba and Esk, particularly along the New England Highway and Esk Hampton Road, between 10:30pm on 7 July and 1:30am on 8 July, to come forward with dashcam footage or CCTV that may assist investigators.

Police believe even footage that appears insignificant could help establish vehicle movements during the critical timeframe.

The whereabouts of Ms Armstrong’s infant son during the period surrounding her alleged murder remain part of the investigation. Acting Detective Inspector Collins said police are still working to establish the precise sequence of events.

The baby has since been placed in the care of family members.

Following confirmation that a body had been found, Ms Armstrong’s sister, Faith Isaacs, shared an emotional tribute describing the overwhelming grief experienced by the family.

“There are simply no words to describe the heartbreak and devastation I am feeling,” she wrote.

She thanked members of the public who helped search for her sister, shared appeals on social media and offered support throughout the investigation.

Ms Isaacs described her sister as someone who “deserved so much more” and said she would be missed beyond words.

Earlier in the search, relatives repeatedly said they feared the worst because Ms Armstrong was an attentive mother who would never voluntarily disappear and leave behind her young son.

The tragedy has prompted an outpouring of support across Toowoomba, where community members joined organised search efforts and offered assistance to the grieving family.

Police acknowledged the significant contribution made by volunteers throughout the search, while emphasising that the criminal investigation remains active.

A post-mortem examination is expected to assist investigators in formally identifying the remains and determining the exact cause of death.

Detectives have not released further details about the alleged circumstances of Ms Armstrong’s death or any evidence expected to be presented before the court.

As criminal proceedings are now underway, authorities have urged the public to avoid speculation that could prejudice future court processes.

The case has also renewed attention on domestic and family violence in Australia. While police have charged the alleged offence as a domestic violence murder, investigators have not suggested the existence of previous reported violence between the accused and Ms Armstrong before her disappearance. They have confirmed no domestic violence order existed between the pair.

Queensland Police continue to encourage anyone with relevant information, CCTV footage or dashcam recordings from the specified areas during the relevant timeframe to contact investigators or Crime Stoppers.

The investigation remains ongoing.