Stephen Anthony Cavanagh, 53, of East Jindabyne, was charged court following the disappearance of Estelle Ivy Cavanagh, 76, last week.

Police were alerted to her disappearance on Wednesday when she failed to show up for a medical appointment.

Subsequent investigations by police attached to Monaro Local Area Command led to Cavanagh’s arrest in Cooma on Thursday.

He was first taken to Cooma Police Station for questioning, and charged with murder later in the day.

Police have yet to locate the victim’s body, but say they have information they hope will lead to its recovery as soon as possible.

Cavanagh did not apply for bail, and will appear in Goulburn Court in late October.