Body Found in Birmingham Gardens Believed to Be Missing Newcastle Woman Meilee Chen

newy.com.au – A body believed to be that of missing woman Meilee Chen has been discovered during a police search in Birmingham Gardens, more than three months after she was last seen in Newcastle.

Ms Chen, aged 68, was reported missing after she failed to return home following her last confirmed sighting on 3 May 2025, captured on CCTV at a shopping centre. Prior to that, she had also been seen at Martins Creek and Warabrook railway stations on 15 April. Police said she lived with medical conditions requiring ongoing medication, which raised concerns for her welfare.

The Newcastle City Police District began inquiries after being alerted on 9 May. Extensive search operations followed in May and July, targeting areas including bushland near Martins Creek and Birmingham Gardens, as well as locations such as Jesmond Central shopping centre and a nearby Aldi store. A police helicopter was also deployed as part of the wide-ranging effort.

At approximately 9am on 7 August, officers located a woman’s body on a property in Martin Street, Birmingham Gardens. A crime scene was established at the location, and specialist detectives and forensic officers have been called in to assist, indicating that the investigation has moved into a forensic phase.

While formal identification is still pending, police believe the remains are those of Meilee Chen. A report will be prepared for the Coroner.