A MAN has appeared in court charged with the alleged murder of missing mum, Khasha Smith.
John Byrne made a brief appearance at Edinburgh Sheriff Court earlier today after he was arrested by detectives last week.
4
4
4
4
The 39-year-old also faces a charge of attempting to defeat the ends of justice.
He made no plea or declaration and was remanded in custody.
Khasha, from Calder Grove in Edinburgh, was last seen alive on a Facetime call with her family in October 2023.
Worried relatives reported the mum missing in January this year, sparking a major police search.
Cops have been scouring the area near her home in the capital’s Wester Hailes for months.
Specialist officers were drafted in to search a canal and a wooded area amid the operation.
Officers were also seen searching an area near her home.
Last week Police Scotland’s major crime squad launched a fresh search after receiving “specific information” about the case amid fears she had come to harm.
After the extensive probe, police say they believe Khasha is dead but her body has yet to be found.
DCI Bob Williamson called on anyone who knows anything about what happened to get in touch.
He said: “Our thoughts remain 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.”
Mr Byrne will appear in court again within the next eight days.
