A man has been charged with the murder of Cranebrook woman Cheryl Ardler, who mysteriously disappeared in 2012.
Police charged Dennis Andrew French, 39, when he faced Penrith Local Court on unrelated domestic violence-related matters this morning.
Police allege French, Ms Ardler’s former partner, killed the 41-year-old on or about December 12, 2012.
Investigators discovered Ms Ardler’s bones in bushland near Laycock Street, Cranebrook in 2018.
She was last seen near a bus stop on Greenhalg Road, Cranebrook in early December 2012.
Earlier today, her mother issued a statement on behalf of the family, describing the breakthrough as a “very bittersweet moment”.
“It’s very hard to know that our beautiful Cheryl will never be coming home and that she was so cruelly taken from us,” the statement said.
“Cheryl’s smile could light up the room and her love for life was infectious.
“She is so loved by all of us and without her here, our family just won’t be the same.
“As we are still coming to terms with this news, our family requests privacy at this time.”
French, who is currently in Long Bay Goal, was formally refused bail to reappear at Penrith Local Court on June 7.
Alena Higgins is the Weekender’s Senior News Reporter, primarily covering courts and Council issues.
