A man has been charged with the alleged murder by police investigating the suspicious disappearance of a young woman in western Sydney.
Police continue to search for the body.
Samah Baker was last seen by a friend after being dropped at her Parramatta home in the early hours of January 4.
The 30-year-old was reported missing by relatives later that day after they could not get in touch with her.
Samah Baker. Source: Supplied
Local detectives, with help from the homicide squad, launched an immediate investigation and on Wednesday, began a forensic search of bushland at Yarra, southwest of Goulburn.
Officers found several items that may be relevant to the investigation, NSW Police said in a statement.
A man has been charged with murder by the detectives searching for missing Sydney woman Samah Baker. Source: AAP
On Friday, detectives arrested James Hachem at a shopping centre in Hurstville and charged him with murder.
The 32-year-old did not appear when his matter was briefly mentioned at Parramatta Bail Court on Saturday, in part due to a strike by prison officers.
His lawyer told reporters outside court Hachem had been co-operating with police up until his arrest.
"He's taken part in statements and provided the police with some crucial information they're currently working from," Warwick Korn said on Saturday.
The case has been adjourned until Tuesday.
Acting Assistant Commissioner Julie Boon described Hachem as an "acquaintance" of Ms Baker but would not detail the nature of their relationship.
"At this stage, police are just looking at one person but investigations are continuing," she told reporters at Parramatta on Saturday.
Investigators are now appealing for anyone who saw a 2014 silver Mitsubishi Lancer on Early Street between 1am and 4am on January 4, or along the Hume Highway between 5pm later that day and 5am on January 5.
"Police believe a person of interest was in a silver Mitsubishi Lancer and it is related to the disappearance of Samah," Supt Boon said.
Ms Baker's family were "extremely distressed" after being told of Hachem's arrest, she said.
"We are of course hopeful that Samah's body will be found so her family can put her to rest."
