Police in Brisbane are investigating the circumstances surrounding the tragic death of Crystal Beale, whose body was found in the Brisbane River early on February 22. A member of the public discovered her at approximately 5:40 AM, prompting immediate investigations by the authorities.
According to detectives, a timeline has been established detailing the hours leading up to her disappearance. Beale was last seen after attending a family dinner in Sunnybank on the evening of February 21. She left the gathering around 8:30 PM in a car with her son and former partner, ultimately arriving at Ryan Street in West End. Her ex-partner was the last confirmed person to see her alive when she exited the vehicle around 9:30 PM.
The following day, Beale’s body was recovered approximately 1 kilometre downstream from where she was last known to be. Investigators found one of her shoes in bushes on Ryan Street, and several of her personal belongings were located at Orleigh Park, near the river. Homicide detectives are puzzled by how she ended up in the river, especially given the distance from her last sighting.
Detective Acting Inspector Rod Watts addressed the media, stating that they had reviewed over 1,000 hours of CCTV footage without success. He expressed his concern and described the investigation’s focus as trying to understand how Beale transitioned from being on Ryan Street to the river. The absence of eyewitness accounts or relevant footage along her suggested routes has hampered the investigation.
Colleagues and friends of Beale have spoken fondly of her, emphasising that she was a dedicated mother of two and a well-respected individual within the Sunshine Coast community. Police are encouraging anyone present in the area that evening to come forward with any information, no matter how insignificant it might seem, as it could be critical for uncovering the truth behind her death.
The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities appealing to the public for assistance in piecing together the events leading to this tragic incident. Those with any information are urged to step forward.