A homicide probe has been launched after the body of a 49-year-old mother was found in the Brisbane River in “horrific” circumstances.
Crystal Beale’s body was found in the water at Yeronga in the city’s south at 5.40am on Saturday, February 22.
Initial investigations indicated Beale’s death was not suspicious, but after a port mortem, Queensland Police has launched a homicide investigation and is appealing for help.
Detective Acting Inspector Rod Watts said they are collecting CCTV from the West End of the city from the night before, Friday February 21, where she had been on a night out.
He said Ceale had a daughter aged 22 and a 15-year-old son and said what happened was “traumatic” for them.
“Crystal was a much loved mother and friend,” Watts said.
“Her death in these circumstances is horrific, and we’re committed to seeking justice for her and her family.
“We know that she was at Sunnybank with her family and friends, a few hours prior to going missing, and then she’s gone to West End.”
Watts said she left family to see a man she knew, which was when she went missing.
“That’s what we’re trying to piece together, her movements after that,” he said.
Police have already checked CCTV from City Cats, the ferry terminals and buses, but don’t know how she ended up in the river around the West End.
He said there was an expired domestic violence order, but there was nothing current.
“We are confident people saw Crystal on the night and they have information that will assist with our inquiries.” Watts said.
Police have released a CCTV image of Crystal from the night, when she was at a restaurant in Sunnybank.
She was wearing a long, slim fitting white dress and had a brown leather shoulder satchel.
She was Caucasian, slim, approximately 165cm tall and had long brown hair.
