Face image of man police want to track down over Joanne Howell murder case

Police have narrowed down the time a TV singer was brutally killed and say her ex-partner is still a suspect.

HOMICIDE squad detectives have narrowed down the time when they believe a mum and TV singer was brutally killed in her own home.

Police have released a digital face image of a man they want to talk to over the death of Joanne Howell.

The have also revealed her ex-partner remains a suspect in the case.

Ms Howell, 51, was brutally assaulted and strangled in her Poath Road apartment in Hughesdale on April 21, 2007.

Police have released a facefit image of a man they wish to speak to.

Joanne Howell.

She died at the scene despite treatment from police and paramedics.

A friend told police he had spoken to Joanne on the phone that night for around half an hour from 8pm.

Neighbours also reported hearing a loud noise from the property some time between 9pm and 9.30pm.

Detective Inspector Tim Day said detectives now believed Ms Howell was killed within a 15-minute window either side of 9.15pm.

He said a witness reported seeing a man “acting suspiciously” in the vicinity of Ms Howell’s unit around the time she was murdered.

“The time frame casts significant doubt on the version of events previously provided to investigators,” he said.

Inspector Day said police had received new information about Ms Howell’s death in the past year.

Her ex-boyfriend Paul Charlton, then aged 52, was arrested at the scene and was a key suspect in the deadly assault.

Inspector Day said he remained a key suspect in Ms Howell’s death.

In 2011, coroner Paresa Spanos found Mr Charlton had caused or contributed to her death.

Mr Charlton, a former pub karaoke event singer, remains a person of interest and last week told the Herald Sun he could not prove to investigators his innocence.

The property in Hughesdale where Ms Howell was killed.

“I know there’s someone out there who did this,” Mr Charlton said.

“I know I didn’t do it. I’ve resigned myself to being in this situation for the rest of my life. I’m not able to prove anything.”

Insp Day said police were not ready to give up on the case.

“We strongly believe that this is a solvable case,” he said.

“There was a clear motive for the killing of Joanne.

“The trail of deceit lay down for police thus far just does not make sense, it does not stack up, and to be a good liar, you need to have a good memory, and memory often betrays the deceitful.

“Thirteen years is a long time for any family to wait for justice, but it might now be just the right time for someone to come forward with the answers that investigators need.

“Police have been told a lot of stories during the course of this investigation, now we’re waiting for someone to tell us the truth.”

“I’m asking for anyone who has information about Joanne’s death, including who is responsible and why, or anyone with information about the person shown in the

image to please contact police.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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