Homicide detectives have joined investigations into the suspicious deaths of two women in separate incidents across central Queensland.
Police stressed that the deaths in Rockhampton and Blackwater were not believed to be connected. Investigators have appealed for public assistance while assuring residents there is no identified threat to the wider community.
The first investigation began after the body of a 32-year-old woman was discovered inside a ground-floor residence on Denham Street in Rockhampton’s central business district shortly after 1pm on Wednesday, July 15.
Police attended the property after one of the woman’s relatives requested a welfare check. Officers found her with an apparent head injury, and investigators believe she may have been dead for more than a day before she was discovered.
Detective Superintendent Darrin Shadlow said the circumstances were being treated as suspicious because of the visible injury and the length of time the woman may have been deceased.
The woman had recently relocated to Rockhampton from interstate. Police questioned her 32-year-old partner, who also lived at the address, but no charges had been laid as of Thursday afternoon. Authorities said the couple were previously known to police.
Forensic officers examined the Denham Street residence after it was declared a crime scene. Detectives from Queensland’s Homicide Investigation Unit travelled from Brisbane to assist local officers.
Police have not determined the cause of the woman’s death, and no weapon has been identified. Investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The Rockhampton case follows another suspicious death in Blackwater, approximately 200 kilometres west of the city.
A 66-year-old woman was found unresponsive inside a home on Oliffe Street on Sunday evening. Emergency services attended, but she was declared dead at the scene. Homicide detectives are also assisting local police with that investigation.
No-one has been charged in connection with either death. Police said they were considering every possible line of inquiry, including whether domestic violence may have been involved.
Authorities have urged anyone with information about either woman, their recent movements or activity near the two properties to contact Queensland Police or Crime Stoppers.
