Qld: Murdered woman was sexually assualted before death

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Qld: Murdered woman was sexually assualted before death

By Alex Murdoch

BRISBANE, April 1 AAP - A young mother found dead with a strap round her neck had suffereda "cruel" sexual assault before her murder, police said today.

Police were today looking for three people in relation to the slaying of Tamara JuneSmith, 24, found dead in central Toowoomba yesterday.

Ms Smith was lying on her stomach, partially suspended from a large shrub, when herbody was discovered by a resident in Isabel Street just after 10am (AEST) yesterday, saidDetective Inspector Noel Ragh of Toowoomba police.

Her naked body was partially covered by clothing, he said.

"She was sexually assaulted, there was a vicious attack upon her prior to death andit was very cruel and humiliating," Det Insp Ragh said.

He said he could not report the extent of Ms Smith's injuries until after a post-mortemexamination, which had been suspended today to allow for further scientific investigation.

Det Insp Ragh said the results were expected tomorrow.

He said Ms Smith had lived in Toowoomba with her six-year-old-son, who was now in thecare of her parents.

The victim was last seen walking along Clifford Street, which adjoins the street whereher body was found, talking to a man at about 4.30am.

The man was described as Caucasian, in his mid-20s, 180cm tall with broad shouldersand light collar-length hair.

He was wearing a white shirt, with the long sleeves rolled up to three-quarter length,and dark trousers and shoes.

Det Insp Ragh said it was unclear if Ms Smith knew this man, but she had had a 10-minuteconversation with him.

He said while the pair were walking along Clifford Street towards Hill Street, a late-modelfawn sedan had cruised past and beeped its horn.

A second man, described as having a fair complexion, aged in his 20s and wearing adark shirt and dark long pants, also passed the couple on the footpath and waved, he said.

Det Insp Ragh said the city of Toowoomba was still in shock after the horrific murder.

"It would be a shock for any person wherever the people may live, it was a viciousattack on a lady, and we are very confident that the people of Toowoomba will assist us,"

he said.

Anyone with any information should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or ToowoombaPolice on 4615 3000.

AAP am/jhm/pw/de

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