Angela Berecz’s death on a houseboat at Blanchetown in 2020 is now being treated as a murder by SA Police

“Fresh information” has convinced detectives that a woman found dead on a River Murray houseboat was murdered – despite initially appearing to have died from natural causes.

A grandmother found dead on a houseboat in the Riverland in 2020 was murdered, police have revealed.

The death of Angela Berecz, 53, at Blanchetown, on the morning of October 22, 2020, was initially thought to be due to natural causes, but on Thursday SA Police declared it a major crime.

Ms Berecz lived on the houseboat with her partner, who found her unresponsive in her recliner at 5.45am on the morning of her death.

They called triple-0 and administered CPR until paramedics arrived.

That person was also her full-time carer.

Angela Berecz suffered from a number of health problems and lived on a houseboat with her partner, who was also her full-time carer. Picture: SA Police

Major Crime Investigation Branch officer-in-charge Detective Superintendent Des Bray said police are investigating a suspect.

“I wouldn’t ever say anything in relation to who a suspect may or may not be, we’ll look at everybody involved,” he said.

“The thing I will say is it would be wrong to jump to conclusions as to who may or may not be responsible at this stage.”

Supt Bray said Ms Berecz suffered from obesity and serious health issues.

A pathology review determined her death was associated with those issues.

However, fresh information recently received by police had cast her death in a new light.

Detective Superintendent Des Bray shows where Ms Berecz’s houseboat was moored near the Blanchetown bridge.

“Despite her illnesses, she wasn’t expected to die any time soon,” Supt Bray said.

“We do know the cause of death, but we are unable to tell you that for operational reasons.”

He said the investigation is still in its infancy.

“We’re very fortunate that we do have a suspect and we’re exploring the possibility of more than one person being involved,” he said.

“This is not a job where we don’t have any leads, this a job where we have a clear focus.”

Pictures of Angela Berecz from a tribute page on Facebook.

Pictures of Angela Berecz from a tribute page on Facebook.

Ms Berecz’s daughter Kathleen Napper wants the person police believe murdered her mother to “take ownership of your actions”.

Making a public plea on behalf of the family, Ms Berecz’s daughter Kathleen Napper said the latest development had left them in shock

“To think that someone would deliberately hurt our mum is very hard to accept,” Ms Napper said. “We miss her every day.”

She called on the person responsible to come forward.

“My anger is now at the person who did this,” she said. “Take ownership of your actions please.”

Anyone with information that may assist the investigation is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.