Search for clues on mother-daughter deaths goes overseas

THE search for answers over the tragic deaths of Celeste, 11, and mum Chiaki Pearson has taken an unexpected turn.

Hunt for clues on tragedy goes overseas

POST-MORTEM examinations will be conducted on the bodies of a Brisbane mother and daughter as detectives continue to sift through information from the public, including from overseas.

Forensic officers yesterday finished examining the Auchenflower penthouse where the battered body of Celeste Pearson, 11, was discovered early on Tuesday morning.

Hours later, her mother, Japanese-born Chiaki Pearson, 49, was found dead, at the bottom of a crane, in nearby Toowong in a suspected murder-suicide.

Police believe she took her own life.

Detective Superintendent Geoff Sheldon said post-mortem examinations would be carried out on the pair’s bodies today, with the full range of forensic testing being ordered. He said police had received a large volume of calls since appealing to speak to anybody who knew the family or saw Mrs Pearson and her white 2007 Nissan Tiida sedan in the hours beforehand.

“A lot of people have come forward, as we’ve asked, saying they know the couple and can they help us at all,” he said.

AUCHENFLOWER DEATHS: Police seek info on family dynamic

“Nothing too startling that hasn’t been apparent elsewhere, but we’ve had international interest, both from Japan and the United Kingdom.

Chiaki Pearson.

“We’re working our way through them with the investigative team from the major incident room.

“We’re pleasantly surprised and very grateful that so many people are coming forward and trying to shed some light.”

Celeste’s father, Chris Pearson, who was asleep when officers arrived at the home on Tuesday, spoke with police that day.

As the shrine of flowers and small pink teddy bears continued to grow on a bench outside the Dunmore Tce apartment building yesterday, one long-time neighbour described the Pearsons as a “loving family”.

Placing a bouquet, the woman, who declined to give her name, said she had met Celeste on the day she was born and the family were involved in “community life here”.

“They did things together. Chris was a hands-on dad and they both loved their children dearly,” she said.

Among the items left there was a card addressed to Celeste and her mother Chiaki, which translated as: “Sleep peacefully in heaven”.

Anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers on 1300 333 000.

Originally published as Search for clues on mother-daughter deaths goes overseas