No Motive Found Yet For Killing
Newcastle Herald
Wednesday June 26, 2002
CENTRAL Coast police were last night awaiting the results of a post-mortem examination to confirm the identity of a woman whose body was found in scrub at San Remo on Monday.
Police have been unable to establish a motive for the apparent murder.
A police strike force of 16 officers has been formed to investigate the case.
It is believed the woman was drinking at the nearby Charmhaven Tavern (Ossies) on Sunday night and was attacked in Goorama Ave as she walked to a house in Emu Drive.
Police have seized video surveillance tapes from the tavern bottle shop.
A team of 25 police and Volunteer Rescue Association personnel continued searching the neighbourhood for clues and speaking to residents yesterday morning.
Detective Inspector Paul Jacob, of the Homicide and Serial Violent Crime Agency, is heading Strike Force Winsen.
He said Winsen included homicide detectives and officers from the Tuggerah Lakes and Brisbane Waters local area commands.
Police had finished examining the scene, but would remain to guard the strip of scrub where the woman's body was found at the intersection of Goorama Ave and the Pacific Highway until the post-mortem examination was completed.
It is believed the attack happened late on Sunday night.
The woman, believed to be aged in her 40s, was found face down and had suffered head injuries.
A resident found the woman's body about 11am on Monday.
Police recovered several items, including sticks and bottles, from the scene yesterday.
They have not determined if the items are linked to the crime.
Det Insp Jacob said police were confident they knew who the woman was but would wait for autopsy results to confirm her name and the cause of death.
Relatives would have to be informed of the woman's death before her name was made public.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Tuggerah Lakes detectives on 4352-4899 or CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000.
© 2002 Newcastle Herald