Woman missing for almost a week before her body was found, brother arrested
A 20-year-old woman had been missing for almost a week before police found her body in a townhouse in Sydney's west on Monday night.
Less than 24 hours later the woman's 30-year-old brother was arrested at a mental health facility in connection with her death.
On Tuesday police described the "confronting scene" that police discovered inside the Cambridge Park townhouse, near Penrith, around 9pm on Monday.
Officers had been called to the property by the family of the two siblings, expressing concerns for the welfare of the woman who had not been seen or heard from since June 3.
Inside the property officers found the woman's body with evidence of serious injuries; however, an autopsy is required to determine a cause of death.
Police believe her body was in the property for several days.
"We do believe it is foul play and it is being investigated as a homicide," said Nepean crime manager Detective Inspector Jason Pietruszka.
The woman's brother was arrested about 11am on Tuesday, outside Cumberland Hospital's mental health facility.
Police said the man presented himself at the facility a number of days ago, "some time after" the woman was allegedly killed. They are now tracking his movements since June 3.
The man was taken to Parramatta police station where he is assisting detectives. Detective Inspector Pietruszka said it is anticipated he will be charged with murder.
Investigators are not seeking anyone else over the woman's death.
On Tuesday morning forensic officers were seen removing a grey armchair from the townhouse.
Detective Inspector Pietruszka said the property was part of a unit complex where a number of people lived, including the woman's brother.
He said forensic officers were continuing to examine the scene, given the length of time the woman's body is believed to have been inside the apartment.
"Police have described the scene as very confronting ... regarding a cause of death, we will be relying on the pathologist and the coroner," Detective Inspector Pietruszka said.
He said police had spoken at length with the family of the two siblings in Western Australia, describing them as "extremely traumatised."
"We are looking into her [personal circumstances] ... her education, what she was doing in Sydney. It's tragic. This 20-year-old girl, whose life was before her, cut short. It's a real stain on the community when something like this happens," Detective Inspector Pietruszka said.
He added that domestic violence was a "horrendous crime ... and we want to do whatever we can to eradicate it."
Lifeline 13 11 14; Mensline 1300 789 978; Kids Helpline 1800 551 800; beyondblue 1300 224 636; Domestic Violence Line 1800 65 64 63; 1800-RESPECT 1800 737 732.