Adelaide mother Jodie Jewell was planning on leaving estranged husband before being shot and killed at Modbury North

Jodie Jewell was on the brink of starting a new life for herself and her teen daughter before she was brutally murdered in their family home.

Jodie Jewell was a “lovely, fantastic mother” planning on starting a new life.

She had told friends in recent days she would leave her estranged husband Kevin Jewell and “start her life fresh” with her 16-year-old daughter.

But before she got the chance, the man she had shared her life with allegedly gunned her down in a brutal killing in their family home.

Just after 6pm Tuesday, Ms Jewell’s husband, who had been living separately from his wife and daughter in the upstairs section of their home, allegedly shot her with one of his rifles before fleeing and sparking a statewide manhunt.

Friends, who were aware of the alleged domestic violence Ms Jewell had been subjected to, feared the worst when she did not arrive for a weekly dinner then raised the alarm

Police then attended the Jewell family home, where they found Ms Jewell with fatal gunshot wounds.

On Wednesday, Ms Jewell’s heartbroken family paid tribute to the 55-year-old, remembering her as a “devoted” mother.

“Truly devoted to her daughter.”

Jodie Jewell was allegedly murdered at her Modbury North home. Picture: Facebook

Police have launched a search for Mrs Jewell’s husband, who allegedly shot her at their Modbury North home. Picture: Facebook

A friend told The Advertiser Ms Jewell was “selfless” and “always one to volunteer her time”.

Another friend Belinda Williams said Ms Jewell was “loved by all”.

“Her whole world was her daughter,” she said.

Others took to social media in an outpouring of grief.

“She was the most kind and caring person you’ll ever meet,” one wrote.

Another said Ms Jewell “lived and breathed for her daughter”.

“You did not deserve this J,” Catherine Ruehland wrote, while Lionie Michelle Chenhall posted: “RIP my sweet friend”.

Friends of Ms Jewell on Wednesday also paid tribute by changing their profile pictures to an image of a white ribbon – used to signify support against domestic violence.

Major Crime Investigation Branch boss Detective Superintendent Des Bray said police suspected Ms Jewell had been the victim of unreported domestic violence and had confided in a friend about the alleged abuse.

“There was a concerned friend that Jodie had confided in … Jodie hadn’t been in contact with (the friend) who started to worry, so she got in contact with police,” Supt Bray said.

Supt Bray said Ms Jewell’s teenage daughter was not home at the time of her mother’s killing but it is understood she let police into the family home after they became concerned about Ms Jewell’s welfare.

He said Ms Jewell’s daughter was in the care of relatives on Wednesday.

Police said Mr Jewell was likely “armed and dangerous” and has urged members of the public not to approach him, with a major operation underway to track down the alleged killer.

Police are hunting for Kevin Jewell, 55, an "armed and dangerous" suspected killer last seen in this vehicle, after his wife’s body was found inside their Modbury North home. Picture: SAPOL

Supt Bray pleaded for members of the public not to approach Kevin Jewell if they see him and instead call police immediately.

“I emphasise for anybody, if they see Kevin or his vehicle, to not engage with him and to immediately contact police and report his location to police immediately,” he said.

He urged the “armed” and “dangerous” alleged killer to turn himself in to police.

“Kevin … a warrant has been issued for your arrest today,” he said.

“We’re actively looking for you and we will locate you. I encourage you straight away, without any delay, to engage with a solicitor and negotiate your safe surrender to police.”

Ms Jewell’s daughter also asked for the public’s assistance, urging them to contact police with any information regarding her father’s whereabouts.

“Please keep a look out and contact police with any information you might have,” she posted on social media.

As his nephew remained on the run from police on Wednesday, David Jewell said Ms Jewell would be remembered as a “very special human being”.

“She was a lovely, fantastic mother,” David said.