Homicide investigation underway, community in shock after woman stabbed to death on busy Darwin road

THE body of a woman brutally stabbed to death in the middle of a busy Jingili street lay under a sheet as police began their attempts to piece together the frantic final moments of her life.

Police tape cordons off a crime scene at the Jingili Water Gardens after a woman was brutally stabbed to death in the area yesterday. Picture: Che Chorley

• Woman killed near children’s playground at Jingili Water Gardens, as police investigators go door to door

THE body of a woman brutally stabbed to death in the middle of a busy Jingili street lay under a sheet as police began their attempts to piece together the frantic final moments of her life.

Her distraught family watched on in tears behind police tape after her body was found lying on the bitumen of Freshwater Road about 11am yesterday.

St John paramedics did attend, however, the woman died at the scene.

The death shocked residents of the street which runs alongside the Jingili Water Gardens, some in disbelief something so grim had occurred so close to their homes.

Police cordoned off part of the parklands towards the playground as investigators established a crime scene and began collecting evidence.

A man, aged 36, was arrested in relation to the death following an hour-long manhunt through the suburb.

He was seen leaving the scene on a bicycle.

Police conduct their investigations near the scene of the incident in Jingili. Picture: Che Chorley

Police conduct their investigations near the scene of the incident in Jingili. Picture: Che Chorley

Police dogs, general duty cops and investigators worked together to find the man, who was arrested on Jingili Terrace, not far from Jingili Primary School.

The school did not go into lockdown.

Police were yesterday still hunting for the weapon, which they believed was an “edged weapon”.

Shopkeepers at the Jingili shops said they saw police scouring the area – searching the public toilets, cars and bus stop.

While the search for the man was under way police advised the public on social media to stay away from the suburbs of Jingili, Moil and Rapid Creek, with those at home told to stay indoors.

Freshwater Road, which was closed for most of yesterday, was expected to remain closed overnight as detectives and forensics officers pieced together the incident.

Police have launched a homicide investigation into the stabbing death of the woman.

Police conduct their investigations near the scene of the incident in Jingili. Picture: Che Chorley

Police conduct their investigations near the scene of the incident in Jingili. Picture: Katrina Bridgeford

Crime Division Acting Superintendent Mark Malogorski said police were called at 11am to reports of a woman being stabbed multiple times.

“Unfortunately the female has passed away, an investigation has commenced, an offender was nominated in this matter, he has been arrested,” A/Supt Malogorski said.

“He’s currently in custody as we speak, and he’s assisting police with their inquiries.”

A/Supt Malogorski said police believed the man and woman were known to each other, however said investigations into their relationship was still ongoing.

A man at the scene, who said he was the uncle of the dead woman said the two were from out of town.

He said they had been in Darwin for the last fortnight, and had been “staying around here”.

A/Supt Malogorski said investigators believed the people were itinerants, but could not confirm.

He said detectives were working to determine the circumstance leading up to the woman’s death as well as a motive.

A distraught onlooker believed to be a sister of the victim. Picture: Katrina Bridgeford

Police conduct their investigations near the scene of the incident in Jingili. Picture: Katrina Bridgeford

“I can’t confirm that at this stage, exactly, a motive or any details of any argument or disturbance prior,” he said.

He said the investigation would be led by the Major Crime Investigations Unit.

“We do want to investigate the matter seriously so there is an extensive crime scene in place, I know it’s going to be a disruption to members of the public, but the matter is going to be treated very seriously. and we do request patience from the community,” he said.

“It’s a tragedy, any victim of a homicide investigation is a tragedy for the whole community, and the NT Police treat it very seriously, and we’ll make sure that full evidence is obtained, and the offender is dealt with by the law.”

He said police were speaking with witnesses.

Crime Division Acting Superintendent Mark Malogorski addresses the media about the incident. Picture: Katrina Bridgeford

Police conduct their investigations near the scene of the incident in Jingili. Picture: Che Chorley

Plain clothes officers could be seen door knocking homes around the area around midday.

One man who lived just metres from the scene said he did not hear anything.

He said he was shocked to learn a woman had been killed on the street.

Another resident of Freshwater Road said it was scary to learn someone had been killed on her street.

She said the street was always busy, and the park was not safe to walk through at night.

“It’s not really nice to come home to that’s for sure, it makes you think about what’s going on in the world,” the resident, who did not want to be named, said.

Police conduct their investigations near the scene of the incident in Jingili. Picture: Che Chorley

Police conduct their investigations near the scene of the incident in Jingili. Picture: Che Chorley

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Police are appealing for anyone with information in regards to the death to contact them.

“Any persons, any witnesses who can provide information to the police search, to contact the police on 131 44 with any information, that would be greatly appreciated,” he said.