A man in his 70s has been charged with the murder of a Lightning Ridge woman in January last year following police investigations bearing results earlier this month.

39-year-old Christine Neilan was murdered between Wednesday and Thursday 8-9 January 2020 and her body was discovered on the morning of 9 January in bushland near Sunflash Street and Black Prince Drive, Lightning Ridge.

Detectives from the State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad and Central North Police District established Strike Force Bullarook to investigate the circumstances surrounding her death.

As a part of ongoing investigations, Homicide Squad detectives conducted an extensive search of a property, and surrounding bushland at Lightning Ridge, between Thursday 14 October 2021 and Sunday 17 October 2021.

The arrest was made following investigations conducted by a variety of police teams last week. Photo courtesy of NSW Police.

Strike Force Bullarook detectives were assisted throughout the search by officers from across Western Region, the Forensic Evidence and Technical Services Command (FETS), the Rescue and Bomb Disposal Unit, divers from Marine Area Command, and the Dog Unit.

Police addressed the media on Tuesday 19 October to speak about new details of Ms Neilan's case and the recent inquiries.

"Post-mortem examination revealed that Christine had died of head injuries - I can now reveal those injuries were caused by gunshot wound," Homicide Squad Commander Detective Superintendent Danny Doherty said.

"During the three days of the crime scene warrant search, a firearm was located and that will be ballistically examined.

"As a result of that crime scene search, a number of (other) exhibits of note were recovered and yesterday (18 October), around 10am, a 73-year old Lightning Ridge resident was arrested and later charged with Christine's murder."

Detective Superintendent Danny Doherty spoke addressed the media about the investigations resulting in the man's arrest earlier today. Vision courtesy of NSW Police.

According to Detective Superintendent Doherty, the man was not directly related to Ms Neilan but based on the size of the Lightning Ridge community, it was likely they knew each other.

He expressed his gratitude to homicide detectives for their efforts, and members of the Lightning Ridge community and Ms Neilan's family for their assistance throughout investigations and relief they were able to resolve the matter for her murder.

"It's very sad tragic circumstances for (Ms Neilan) and her family - there is strong evidence to say this person was responsible for shooting Christine," he said.

"(The family) were alerted straight away after the arrest - they were aware the homicide detectives were in town being assisted by specialist police. They were happy police had never given up on Christine."

Det. Spt. Doherty said investigations at the site where the man was arrested and where police believe the actual shooting occurred would continue throughout the day and there was no evidence to suggest the man acted with others.

The man was refused bail and appeared at Walgett Local Court earlier today. He was subsequently refused bail again and will next appear at the same court on Monday 25 October.