By Sarah McPhee and Daniella White
A man has been charged with murder after a woman’s body was found in a bathtub filled with acid in a North Parramatta unit following reports of a domestic violence incident.
The 20-year-old presented himself to police on Monday afternoon after officers earlier in the day released a picture of a suspect.
Superintendent Julie Boon said the man and woman were believed to have been in a relationship.
Police released an image of a man they wanted to speak to after a woman’s body was found in a North Parramatta unit on Sunday.Credit: NSW Police
A family member concerned about the woman’s welfare called police about 4.30pm on Sunday, prompting a check of the unit on the corner of Pennant Hills Road and Gladstone Street. Officers forced their way into the unit and the woman was found dead in a bathtub full of acid.
The woman is yet to be formally identified. Police said her death was being treated as suspicious, but the cause of her death was not yet known and a post-mortem examination would be conducted later on Monday or Tuesday.
“I can confirm there were chemicals found inside the bathroom of the unit,” Superintendent Boon said.
“The scene was very challenging for arriving police. When they did arrive and found chemicals inside the unit, they retreated.”
A crime scene was established at the unit and Fire and Rescue NSW hazmat (hazardous materials) personnel spent several hours at the scene.
Police said no one else lived at the home.
A neighbour said he heard screams about 2pm on Sunday while he was in his backyard.
“It sounded like they were about to sing,” he said.
“And then it turned straight into a bit of a scream, but it was only short and then it stopped.
“So I didn’t think anything of it.”
Homicide squad detectives are assisting the investigation into the woman’s death.
Police released an image on Monday morning of a man they believed could assist with their inquiries, who “may have scratches on his face and arms”.
Superintendent Boon did not elaborate on the scratches but said she believed the truck was registered to a business known to the man.
In a statement issued at 1pm, police said a man had been arrested after he attended Bankstown police station.
“A truck has been found in Greenacre and has been seized for forensic examination,” police said.
Anyone who saw or heard anything “out of the ordinary” in the Pennant Hills Road area is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppers.com.au.
Support is available from the National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service at 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).
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