Sydney manhunt concludes with arrest following discovery of remains

A week-long manhunt concluded with the arrest of 24-year-old James French after the body of 39-year-old John Birch was discovered partially buried in a Glenorie paddock on March 14. Birch's family reported him missing just before the police found his remains, which showed signs of blunt force trauma according to preliminary reports. French evaded police until he was located sleeping in a car at a property they had previously searched. Superintendent Naomi Moore confirmed there was no ongoing threat to the community, emphasizing that the individuals involved were known to each other and the incident was not random. Earlier, two men and a woman associated with the case were arrested but later released pending further investigation. Police are still seeking additional individuals connected to the case for questioning.