Wanguri death: Woman found dead with head injury at toilet block

NT Police have revealed the next step in the investigation after a woman was found dead at Wanguri on Tuesday. Read the latest.

Latest, December 4, 2pm: NT Police say a woman who was found dead at a toilet block in Wanguri had a pre-existing head injury, in an update 24 hours after her death.

The woman’s body was found about 1am on Tuesday with a significant head injury, police say.

The death was initially treated as suspicious by police, but detectives on Wednesday afternoon revealed the woman’s head injury was pre-existing.

An NT Police spokesperson said she had been receiving treatment for in the days prior to her death.

NT Police are investigating after a woman was pronounced dead at a toilet block at Wanguri in the early hours of Tuesday, December 3, 2024. Picture: Darcy Fitzgerald

Police said they had spoken to a number of witnesses and investigations continue, with the exact cause of death still unknown.

An autopsy has been completed and next of kin notified.

Police initially said the woman was seen with a group of people next to Wanguri shops before she was found dead.

Police urge anyone with information to make contact on 131 444. Please quote incident number P2433182.

Updated, December 3 9am: Forensic investigators are on the scene after a woman’s body was found at a toilet block in Wanguri.

NT Police have been investigating the “suspicious” death since the incident was called in about 1am Tuesday.

The woman was allegedly seen with a group of people next to Wanguri shops before the emergency call was made, NT Police in a statement said at 9.20am.

At 7am there were four NT Police vehicles and multiple officers present.

Investigators were scanning the area, which extended from the toilet block on Lyons St to the Wanguri shops.

The crime scene extended from the toilet block to Wanguri shops. Picture: Darcy Fitzgerald

A nearby resident, who did not wish to be named, told this masthead he was “shocked” – he had not heard anything overnight.

He said a group of people frequented the area.

“It’s shocking to come out and see all these police cars and a crime scene.”

Multiple police vehicles and personnel were at the scene. Picture: Darcy Fitzgerald

“I’ve never seen anything like this – this doesn’t typically happen.”

NT Police have been contacted for further comment.

Anyone with information or CCTV in the area between 1am and 1.30am to make contact on 131 444.

Quote job number P2433182.

Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.

Initial, December 3 7.30am: Police are investigating the “suspicious death” of a woman at a toilet block in Darwin’s northern suburbs.

Northern Watch Commander Steve Langdon said NT Police and St John NT attended an emergency call in Wanguri about 1.00am on Tuesday.

A 53-year-old woman was found unconscious with a head injury on the scene.

St John paramedics could not resuscitate the woman and she was pronounced dead on site.

NT Police are combing the scene - a toilet block across from the Wanguri shops. Picture: Darcy Fitzgerald

Major Crimes is currently investigating the death, which occurred at the toilet block opposite Wanguri shops, off Lyons St.

Mr Langdon said a “small amount of witnesses are assisting with the investigation”.

More to come.

Originally published as Wanguri death: Woman found dead with head injury at toilet block