Body found submerged in northern suburbs’ creek identified, had likely been in the water for about two days, police say

POLICE have identified a body found submerged in a northern suburbs’ creek and say the deceased had likely been in the water for about two days before being found by a group of children

Police at the scene of the discovery of the body in a creek off Damabila Drive. Picture: Glenn Campbell

• Crime scene established as body found submerged in small creek in Darwin’s northern suburbs
• Neighbour says creek where body found often floods during periods of heavy rain

POLICE have identified a body found submerged in a northern suburbs’ creek and say the deceased had likely been in the water for about two days before being found by a group of children.

Police were notified of a deceased person in scrubland in Garamanak Park in Lyons about 6.20pm on Thursday evening.

Four children found the body and notified their parents who then contacted police.

Detectives, forensic investigators and Tactical Response Group (TRG) police swarmed the area, also closing a section of Damabila Drive to the public.

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Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Sonia Kennon said a post-mortem identified the body as that of a 54-year-old Aboriginal man, 176cm tall with short grey hair and wearing black shorts.

A/Snr-Sgt Kennon said currently police didn’t believe the death was suspicious but investigations were ongoing.

“We’re thinking at the moment that he’s been in the creek probably for a maximum two days,” she said.

“We believe he has been residing in and around the area for a period of time.”

She said there were no injuries to the body that were deemed to be suspicious.

A/Snr-Sgt Kennon added police had yet to determine why it took several days for the body to be found.

Police at the scene of the discovery of the body in a creek off Damabila Drive. Picture: Glenn Campbell

“It is near a park that is used a fair amount through the Lyons community,” she said.

“There’s quite a few walkers, passers-by, that use that area … He was immersed in water so I’m not sure why he hasn’t been sighted.”

A body bag was carried up the bank by a group of TRG police at around 10.15am Friday and put into awaiting morgue van.

A/Sen-Sgt Kennon said it took police a while to get the body out of the area because the forensic pathologist wanted to ensure they hadn’t missed any crucial evidence.

She said there was no need for concern among the local community.

Police at the scene of the discovery of a body in a creek off Damabila Drive. Picture Glenn Campbell

“At this point in time we don’t believe that there’s anything suspicious or for anything the Lyons community to have any concerns for,” she said.

“Our investigation will continue so that we can identify where this person was in the days leading up to his death, so that we can ascertain how and why he might have died.”

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“If anyone believes that they’ve seen a person and matching this description in the area of Garamanak Park in the last few days … Contact police on Crime Stoppers or 1800 333 000.”

She said the children who made the grim discovery and their parents would be spoken with about counselling.

Lyons is a popular family suburb. Garamanak Park is located behind Royal Darwin Hospital and a known hangout for long-grassers and visitors from remote communities.

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