THE human remains found on the side of Herveys Range Road have been identified as that of missing mother Julie Hutchinson.
Ms Hutchinson, a mother of two boys, was reported missing to police on April 9, 2015.
Her husband Michael Hutchinson was convicted of her manslaughter in March 2017 and is currently serving a term of imprisonment.
Hutchinson refused to reveal where he had dumped his wife’s body and it remained a mystery until a motorists spotted human remains on the side of Herveys Range Road on August 25.
Acting Detective Inspector Phil Watts said the remains were officially identified at the John Tonge Centre in Brisbane on September 4.
Julie’s sister Christine read an emotional statement on behalf of the family to express how grateful they were to the investigators and the man who located the remains.
She said Julie’s closest family members and sons had made the emotional journey to her final resting place yesterday to pay their respects.
“This past week has been harrowing and our lives have been tipped upside down once again,” Christine said.
“We have spent many hours waiting for confirmation that the remains found up on Herveys Range are those of our Jules.
“Yesterday, our immediate family together with Julie's two boys made the somber journey to the location where Julie's remains were discovered.
“We were confronted with the reality of what took place at that terrible time, realising that her body was dumped without a grain of humanity.
“The worst possible wish for a loved ones remains to be returned was granted for us today. Words cannot begin to convey how that feels.
“We would like to express our sorrow and understanding to the other families who like us were told that this may be their missing loved one, only to learn that this was not to be.
“We are so very thankful to the police, the forensic teams and the multitudes of the other departments who've contributed to this case. We sincerely appreciate your determined efforts to reunite us with our beloved Julie.
“To our extended family, we thank you for staying united throughout the past three and a half years and ensuring that the well being of Julie's two boys was always a priority and the friends who have supported us in numerous ways and occasions, too many to mention them all individually.
“Finally, to the person who found our Julie, we will be forever grateful. If it wasn't for your thoughtful actions you took on that day, this moment may never have been possible. We are now able to lay her to rest with the respect and dignity she deserves.”
