A mobile phone found by police search crews may hold key evidence about Celeste’s killer

An iPhone just 1km from Celeste Manno’s home could hold vital information about her killer.

A mobile phone found near the home of murdered woman Celeste Manno could hold vital evidence about her alleged killer.

The find — exclusively revealed by the Herald Sun — was made during a line search in Mernda on ­Friday.

It’s understood the search was instigated after a tip that Ms Manno’s killer discarded a phone soon after she was attacked in her home.

The 23-year-old’s work colleague, Luay Sako, 35, was on Thursday charged with murder.

Celeste Manno.

Luay Sako.

SES volunteers just before 11am found the iPhone near the intersection of Bridge Inn Road and Breadalbane Avenue — about 1km from Ms Manno’s home.

They had been searching a big area between the property and Mernda Police Station, where Sako handed himself in on Monday morning, meticulously combing through gardens and drains.

The operation was conducted under the watch of homicide squad detectives. Police experts are to examine the phone to establish who it belongs to.

Tributes — including flowers, a cross and Collingwood Football Club scarf — ­continued to appear at Ms Manno’s family home amid a massive community ­outpouring.

A tree was adorned with photos of Ms Manno with the beloved young woman’s many friends.

There were also many heartfelt messages of condolence scrawled on numerous cards left outside the house.

Her death has increased focus on violence against women, with a petition started this week calling for tougher laws.

A flower tribute outside Ms Manno’s house. Picture: David Crosling

Victims of Crime Commissioner Fiona McCormack said: “I am absolutely horrified to hear of yet another woman brutally murdered by a man.

“All forms of violence against women are abhorrent and my heart goes out to Ms Manno’s family and her friends and community who are clearly devastated by this horrendous crime. To prevent the unnecessary and ­horrendous murders of women in our community, we need consistent responses from police and justice system to prioritise their safety.”

Ms Manno’s family — who have remembered her as a loving daughter and sister — are preparing for her funeral.

Sako’s family has said their hearts went out to Ms Manno’s loved ones, saying they had been in tears.

The Roxburgh Park man has been remanded in ­custody for the first time in his life and will face court in April next year.

He has also had surgery for lacerations to his hands.

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