Still no trace of ‘murdered’ Scots mum Khasha Smith one year on from mystery disappearance
THERE is still no trace of ‘murdered’ Edinburgh mum Khasha Smith one year after her disappearance.
Khasha, 35, was last seen alive on a Facetime call with her family in October 2023.
Worried relatives reported her missing in January this year, sparking a major police search.
Scores of cops descended on her home in Calder Grove as the massive bid to find her was launched.
But after almost a year of searching, cops last month revealed they believe Khasha is dead.
A man has been arrested and charged in connection with Khasha’s alleged killing.
John Byrne, 39, appeared in the dock at Edinburgh Sheriff Court charged with the alleged murder.
But despite the massive search, Khasha’s body has not been found.
DCI Bob Williamson, who is leading the probe into the mum-of-three’s disappearance, urged anyone with information to come forward.
Last month, the major crime cop said: “Our thoughts are very much with Khasha’s family at this extremely difficult time and they continue to be supported by specialist officers.
“They are understandably devastated and it is vital we get answers for them.
“Extensive enquiries remain ongoing to trace Khasha and I would again encourage anyone with any information regarding her disappearance to contact police, as a matter of urgency.
“Any piece of information, no matter how small or insignificant you think it is, could prove vital, so please get in touch.”
After cops charged Byrne in connection with Khasha’s death, her devastated family told of the “torture of not knowing where she is.”
They described the tragedy as “nightmare” and vowed to “never stop searching” for her.
A fundraiser was launched to pay for a memorial bench for Khasha’s daughters to visit, as they cannot have a funeral for her.
Family heartbreak after missed 18th birthday
IN March, Khasha’s devastated daughter Calley revealed her heartbreak after her mum’s disappearance meant she had missed her 18th birthday.
She said: “We miss her so much. We want nothing more than my mum to walk through the door and to be able to give her a massive hug.
“It feels like I’m living the worst dream I could ever imagine.
“I can’t express what it would mean to have my mum home. Even the smallest piece of information might be all we need to find her.
“So I’m asking anyone with any information – please come forward and help the police bring my mum home for me, my sisters and the rest of the family.”
Her aunt Carrie Duke, who started the fundraiser, said: “Khasha was a kind, caring, loving mother to her three children who love and miss her so much.
“Our hearts are broken not knowing where Khasha is.
“As we, her family cannot put her to rest in the form of a funeral, we are hoping to fundraise for a suitable memorial bench to be purchased so her family and friends can have a special place and anyone wishing to pay respects can visit.
“Any extra funds would also be put in the form of a trust fund for her children or toward a funeral in the hope that Khasha is found.
“Our nightmare continues and we will never stop searching for Khasha.
“Please donate if you can, with your help, we could provide a special place where Khasha’s daughters, family and friends can go to feel close to her.”
Read more on the Scottish Sun
Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident number 3915 of 5 January 2024.
Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
