Man charged over death of Chinese woman linked to second body

A man charged over the alleged murder of a woman found in a Latrobe St apartment is being probed after a second woman’s body was found in Melbourne’s CBD.

Xiaozheng Lin has been charged over the alleged murder of a 31-year-old woman.

A man charged over the alleged murder of a woman known to him is believed to be linked to the death of a second woman in Melbourne’s CBD.

Detectives from the homicide squad are investigating after another woman’s body was found in a Docklands apartment, just days after a Chinese national, aged 31, was found dead in a Latrobe St apartment.

Police attended the Waterside Place apartment on Friday about 1.30pm as part of their investigations into the first woman’s death on December 27.

Upon arrival, police found the body of a 51-year-old Docklands woman.

Police believe the death is linked to Tuesday’s grisly discovery on La Trobe St.

Xiaozheng Lin, 22, of Huntingdale faced Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Friday where he was charged with the alleged murder of the 31-year-old.

The Docklands death is being treated as suspicious.

Victoria Police’s top homicide cop said the force understood the angst felt by Melburnians.

“I understand there is a lot of concern and anxiety from the community, particularly those who reside in the CBD and surrounding suburbs, following the death of both these women this week,” Detective Acting Superintendent Dean Thomas said.

“At this stage there is nothing to indicate we are looking for any further victims, and we have a man in custody who was known to both women.

“He has been charged in relation to the death of the 31-year-old woman who was located at the Latrobe St apartment and our inquiries are ongoing in terms of what connection he has to the second death.

“Our thoughts are also with their families at this devastating time and police will ensure they have access to all the appropriate support services.”

Police are seeking anyone who witnessed any suspicious behaviour around the Docklands apartment between December 27 and 29, or has CCTV or dashcam footage.

No charges have been laid over the second woman’s death and the investigation is ongoing.