Police release image of suspected killer in Shanae Brooke murder

Video has emerged after the murder of Melbourne teacher Shanae Brooke in Georgia as details of her suspected killer are released.

Police are doorknocking residents in an eastern European city with a picture of a man potentially responsible for the rape and murder of a Melbourne woman on a solo hike.

Footage of the crime scene also emerged, five days after Shanae Brooke Edwards, 31, was ambushed on a trek on Mount Mtatsminda in Georgia’s capital Tbilisi.

She called a friend in the US about 4.30pm and was heard screaming “take your hands off me” and “please let me go” before the call disconnected.

Her body was located on a nearby hill the next day but the alleged killer has yet to be identified or captured.

Melbourne woman Shanae Brooke Edwards, 31, has been murdered.

Agenda.ge editor-in-chief Natalia Amaglobeli — who has been working closely on the case for the Georgian news site — said residents in the area had reported being visited by police who, according to local media, produced a “portrait” of a potential suspect with blonde hair, and asked if they recognised him.

“The neighbours say that the person (pictured) has a slim, athletic body type,” Ms Amaglobeli said.

“He looked to be in his 30s.”

The Georgia Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Tbilisi Police Department would not confirm whether or not they had a suspect and did not respond to a request for comment on Wednesday.

Police, investigators and emergency services at the scene where the Australian woman was found dead. Picture: Mtavari TV channel/Facebook

“The ministry and police officers are doing their best to find the murderer … We have some information, though I cannot talk about it due to the interests of the investigation,” Georgian Interior Minister Vakhtang Gomelauri said earlier this week.

Video footage of the crime scene posted online by Mtavari TV showed emergency personnel, search crews with dogs, and volunteers scouring the hills where Ms Edwards’ slain body was later found.

An autopsy report has yet to be released.

Police have a photo of a suspect. Picture: Mtavari TV channel/Facebook

Ms Edwards, who previously lived in Melbourne’s inner suburbs, had been working in Georgia as an English teacher for about two years.

The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is providing consular assistance to Ms Edward’s family.

“The Australian government offers its deepest condolences to the family of an Australian woman whose death is being investigated by authorities in Tbilisi, Georgia,” a spokesman said.

Ms Edwards was on the phone to a friend in the US when she was attacked.

Ms Edward’s friends declined to comment on the tragedy, saying they were respecting her family’s request that they not speak to the media.

“This murder has had a huge impact on Georgian society,” Ms Amaglobeli said.

“The investigators are under huge pressure. Not only because it’s connected with safety and tourism in Georgia but because the emotional impact of people is very high.

“Strangers have been gathering at two locations to bring flowers and candles.

“Everyone here is sending condolences to Australia.”