Doherty said police were not sure whether Chen was “alive or dead.”

Police suspect Li’s body was dumped in Sir Joseph Banks Park in Botany, within metres of a footpath, off Foreshore Road between 4am and 5am on November 30.

“That would fit in with the decomposition,” Doherty said.

On Saturday, police seized a vehicle they believe was used to transport Li’s body to the bushland. CCTV footage of the vehicle, a silver Toyota Avensis that stopped on Foreshore Road in the early hours of November 30, was released earlier on Saturday.

The car is undergoing forensic examination, and police are appealing for anyone with dashcam footage of the area to contact police.

“This investigation unfolds, it seems to be on an hourly basis,” Doherty said.

Chen and Li’s family were informed about Li’s death and Chen’s disappearance on Friday after Li’s body was identified via DNA testing.

“They’re obviously devastated,” Doherty said.

“This is a very sad, tragic death, where someone’s lost their life in not only an unusual way, but a suspicious and brutal one.”

Police urge anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.

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