Family of murdered Melbourne teacher Shanae Brooke Edwards issue desperate plea for justice

Chilling details have emerged about the death of Melbourne woman Shanae Brooke Edwards in Georgia as her relatives describe their “unbearable” grief.

The family of murdered Melbourne woman Shanae Brooke Edwards has pleaded with the Georgian justice system to jail her alleged killer for life.

It comes as new details emerge about her horrific death in the capital city of Tbilisi in July.

The Georgian Chief Prosecutor’s Office has revealed Ms Edwards, 31, suffered a neck injury and was strangled before her body was hidden beneath twigs in the deadly alleged robbery.

A knife allegedly used by her accused killer, 33-year-old political activist Rafael Mursakulovi, was also located at the scene of the crime in Mount Mtatsminda.

“Mursakulov took her belongings and tried to conceal the crime. He covered the body with twigs and threw away a knife,” the Chief Prosecutor’s Office said.

Ms Edwards’ family has begged authorities to show no mercy in the case.

Shanae Brooke Edwards, 31, was killed in Georgia.

She was murdered in July.

Local media outlet, Agenda.ge, reported the grieving family has asked Ms Edwards’ alleged murderer be sentenced to life in prison.

Mursakulov is charged with armed robbery and intentional homicide which in Georgia is punishable by 16 years prison to life imprisonment.

The family said the sorrow and grief they feel is “unbearable”.

“We lost our beautiful girl incredibly tragically. She left many friends and family members disappointed and devastated. We are proud of all the successes that Shanae has achieved in many countries during her short life,” the statement said, according to Agenda.ge.

The family thanked the Georgian government for offering financial assistance for Ms Edwards’ repatriation and the Georgian people “for the continuous attention, love and support during this difficult tragic period”.

“Our sorrow and grief are unbearable. Please, continue to respect our family and personal space,” the statement read.

Ms Edwards’ family released a statement saying “we lost our beautiful girl incredibly tragically”. Picture: Supplied

It’s alleged Mr Mursakulovi targeted Ms Edwards for her belongings, namely her iPhone, which she reportedly threw into a ravine.

She had been on the phone to a friend in the US at the time of the confrontation and was heard screaming “take your hands off me” before the call cut out.

Authorities alleged Mr Mursakulovi sliced his hand with the knife during the scuffle, leaving behind crucial DNA evidence that led to his arrest several weeks later.

He made no statement to the court during his last court hearing and was detained to reappear for his next trial date scheduled for November 1.

Ms Edwards had been working in Tbilisi as an English teacher for about two years.

She would have celebrated her 32nd birthday on October 8.

On Facebook, her father wrote: “We’re missing you more and more each day. The heartache, emptiness, torture won’t go away. In our core, heart and soul you will remain forever young. Your love, laughter and joy you provided, missed by everyone”.