Police have completed a meticulous forensic search of a property on Parsonage Road, Southampton, linked to the mysterious disappearance of Joanne Sheen, known affectionately as ‘Little Jo’ to her family and friends. Sheen has been missing since 5th December 2019, and the recent development comes nearly three years after her unexplained vanishing.
The search, which began on Monday, 6th December, followed a new piece of information suggesting a connection between the property and Sheen. While police have not disclosed the nature of this link, the forensic team’s intensive examination included the use of specialized light sources to detect body fluids like blood and saliva, which could be crucial in providing DNA evidence.
So far, the police have not confirmed finding any such evidence at the scene, nor have they made any arrests in connection with the property search. The site gained previous attention in July 2022 when a man climbed onto the roof and threw tiles, drawing public interest.
Joanne Sheen was officially reported missing by her family on 22nd February 2020, after growing concerns for her welfare. The last corroborated sighting of Sheen was on 5th December 2019, when she traveled from Fareham back to Southampton with a friend. There have been unconfirmed sightings of her in Southampton before Christmas 2019.
The case, initially a missing person investigation, evolved into a murder inquiry with five arrests made during the course of the investigation. Despite these developments, Sheen’s whereabouts remain unknown, and her body has not been recovered.
Crimestoppers, independent of the police, has offered a reward of up to £20,000 for information leading to an arrest and conviction in the case or the recovery of Sheen’s body.
DI Toby Elcock, leading the investigation, stressed the ongoing commitment to uncovering the truth behind Sheen’s disappearance. “We remain dedicated to finding out what happened to Jo and will pursue all lines of enquiry,” he stated in 2022.
Sheen is described as a white female, around 5 feet 1 inches tall, slim build, with long dark brown hair. Police have appealed to the public for any information regarding her whereabouts or any insights into the case.
The community and Sheen’s family continue to seek answers and closure in this baffling case. Anyone with information is urged to contact the police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, quoting Operation Blackboard or 44200068330.
