Human Remains Discovered in Breddan Identified as Jayden Penno-Tompsett
Human remains discovered in October 2025 at Breddan, near Charters Towers in North Queensland, have been identified through forensic DNA analysis as Jayden Penno-Tompsett. Mr. Penno-Tompsett, originally from New South Wales, was 22 years old when he disappeared on December 31, 2017.
The identification was confirmed on January 23, 2026, and a coronial investigation into the circumstances of his death is ongoing.
Discovery and Identification
The remains were located on a rural property in Breddan, near Charters Towers, Queensland, on October 20, 2025. Following forensic DNA analysis, the Queensland Police Service confirmed the identification of the remains as Jayden Penno-Tompsett on January 23, 2026.
Mr. Penno-Tompsett was 22 years old at the time of his disappearance. Police had maintained contact with his family throughout the investigation process.
Background of Disappearance
Jayden Penno-Tompsett was last seen in the early hours of December 31, 2017. He was on a road trip from Newcastle, New South Wales, to Cairns, Queensland. His last known location was near a roadhouse in Charters Towers, North Queensland.
He was reported missing on January 3, 2018, prompting a large-scale air and ground search conducted in January 2018, which yielded no trace of him.
A coronial inquest held in 2021 concluded that Mr. Penno-Tompsett likely died in bushland from exposure to the elements.
The 2021 inquest found he had left his vehicle while under the influence of drugs and had exhibited erratic behavior prior to his disappearance. His road trip companion reportedly continued to Cairns after failing to locate him. The inquest ultimately determined his death was not suspicious.
Ongoing Coronial Investigation
A coronial investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mr. Penno-Tompsett's death is currently underway. Police are preparing a report to be submitted to the coroner as part of this ongoing inquiry.