NSW:Police seize truck in prostitute murder investigation

AAP General News (Australia)
04-14-2004
NSW:Police seize truck in prostitute murder investigation

By Lisa Davies

SYDNEY, April 14 AAP - Police investigating the murder of a prostitute in western Sydney
today seized an abandoned truck, as a post-mortem examination on the victim indicated
she was pregnant when she died.

The woman was gunned down on Murtha Street, Arndell Park, sometime before a passing
motorist found her body about 11.50pm (AEST).

She was shot a number of times in the head and body.

Police yesterday said the woman had tried to flee the gunman but collapsed 150 metres
from where she was attacked.

Blacktown Police Superintendent Kerry Doherty said while the woman had not been positively
identified, she was "known in the area".

Police sources have said the woman was a local prostitute who worked the nearby Great
Western Highway.

Detectives today continued their investigations as a post-mortem examination was carried out.

The woman has not yet been formally identified but it was understood that process would
be completed by tomorrow morning, when her mother could be located.

Police would not confirm reports today that the woman was seven months pregnant, but
it is understood they would release that information once her name was confirmed.

Meanwhile, an abandoned truck found in a nearby suburb today may belong to the killer,
a police source said.

The truck would be "subject to DNA testing" in a bid to find its driver, he said.

The woman's body was clothed when she was found and police believe she may have been
chased down the quiet street by her attacker.

"She was probably, from where the original crime took place, probably 150 metres to
where she actually fell to the ground," Supt Doherty said yesterday.

"It indicates that she was trying to leave the vicinity where she was originally shot."

Police today renewed their appeal for anyone who was in the vicinity of Murtha Street
on Monday night to come forward.

AAP ld/nf/jv/

KEYWORD: MURTHA

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