Homicide investigation after woman’s body found in Brisbane River at Yeronga last month

Tragic Death in Brisbane: Police Appeal for Witnesses in Crystal Beale Case

The Brisbane community is in shock following the discovery of a woman’s body in the Brisbane River, with police now treating the case as a homicide. Crystal Beale, a 49-year-old woman, was found deceased in the river near Yeronga on the morning of February 22. Initially reported as a drowning, further investigation has revealed suspicious circumstances, prompting police to launch a homicide inquiry. Detectives are urging anyone who may have seen Crystal in the hours leading up to her death to come forward, as they work tirelessly to piece together the events of that fateful night.

Crystal Beale’s Last Known Movements

Crystal Beale was last seen alive in the West End area of Brisbane on the evening of February 21. She had spent part of the night at a restaurant in Sunnybank, where she was captured on CCTV footage. The image, released by police, shows Crystal wearing a long, white dress and carrying a brown leather satchel. Her disappearance and subsequent death have left her family and loved ones devastated, and police are now appealing for anyone who may have interacted with her or seen her in the West End area to provide any information they can.

The Discovery and Initial Response

Crystal’s body was found in the Brisbane River by a member of the public at around 5:45 a.m. on February 22. Initially, the Queensland Ambulance Service treated the incident as a drowning, and police reported no suspicious circumstances at the time. However, as the investigation progressed, discrepancies in the evidence led police to reclassify the case as a homicide. A postmortem examination revealed critical injuries sustained by Crystal, which further solidified the suspicion of foul play. Police are now urging anyone with information to assist in their investigation.

Police Appeal for Information

Detective Acting Inspector Rod Watts has made a public appeal for anyone who may have been in the Orleigh Park or Ryan Street areas of West End between 9:30 p.m. on February 21 and 1:00 a.m. on February 22 to come forward. Police believe Crystal was in the vicinity of the Brisbane River near Orleigh Park during these hours and are collecting CCTV footage from the area to aid in their investigation. Inspector Watts emphasized that even the smallest piece of information could be crucial in solving the case, and he urged anyone who may have seen Crystal or any suspicious behavior to contact authorities immediately.

The Homicide Investigation Continues

As the homicide investigation unfolds, police are exploring multiple lines of inquiry and are working to reconstruct Crystal’s final hours. While authorities have not disclosed specific details of the case due to its ongoing nature, they remain confident that members of the public hold key information that could help bring clarity to the events surrounding Crystal’s death. The police are committed to ensuring justice for Crystal and her family, and they are counting on the community’s support to achieve this goal.

A Community in Mourning

The tragic death of Crystal Beale has left the Brisbane community in mourning, with many expressing shock and sadness at the loss of a life under such devastating circumstances. As police continue their investigation, the focus remains on uncovering the truth and ensuring that those responsible for Crystal’s death are held accountable. The case serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of community vigilance and the need for collective action in times of crisis. The thoughts of the community are with Crystal’s loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.