Body of Woman Found in Joondalup; Man in Custody
A police investigation is underway in Joondalup, Western Australia, after the body of a woman was discovered on Wednesday morning. A 35-year-old man was taken into custody later that day.
Incident Timeline
At approximately 9:30 AM AWST on Wednesday, a man approached a St John Ambulance crew stationed on Grand Boulevard in Joondalup's central business district.
According to police, the man was carrying an unconscious woman and placed her onto a stretcher beside paramedics. Paramedics assessed the woman and determined she was deceased. They subsequently notified Western Australia Police.
The man left the scene prior to police arrival. The body was found outside the Arthouse apartment complex on Grand Boulevard, near the entrance of Cafe Cinnayum and a short walk from a major shopping centre.
Police later located and took a 35-year-old man into custody at approximately 4:45 PM on the same day. No charges had been filed as of initial reports. The man is assisting with inquiries.
Investigation
Detective Inspector Jayd Morawski of the WA Police stated that investigators wish to speak with the man to obtain a full account of events. Morawski noted that police have identified the man and called on him to present himself to authorities. The man is believed to have known the deceased woman.
The woman has not been formally identified. Police have spoken to individuals believed to be her family. The cause of death is under investigation, and police have not ruled out suspicious circumstances.
Police stated that they do not believe there is any ongoing threat to the wider community, describing the matter as isolated.
Police Response
- A section of the car park and road on Grand Boulevard was cordoned off for evidence collection.
- St John Ambulance confirmed that the ambulance involved was taken for forensic examination and that the affected crew is cooperating with police and receiving support.
- CCTV footage from the apartment complex and nearby businesses was seized by investigators.
- The investigation involves general detectives, the major crime division, and specialist investigators.
Public Appeal
Authorities are seeking any dash-cam or CCTV footage from Grand Boulevard between 9:30 AM and 9:45 AM on Wednesday.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police.
A police press conference was scheduled for 2:30 PM local time on Wednesday.