Detectives from Dutton Park Criminal Investigations Branch and the Homicide Investigation Unit have charged a man with the alleged murder of 49-year-old Crystal Beale in February.
At 5.40am on Saturday, February 22, Crystal's body was located in the Brisbane River by a member of the public.
Operation Xray Saba was established to piece together not only what happened that night, but Crystal's life leading up to her alleged murder.
It is alleged at 8.30pm on Friday, February 21, Crystal left a family dinner at a Sunnybank restaurant and travelled with a 49-year-old West End man, who was known to her, in a car to West End.
Crystal's last alleged sighting was by the 49-year-old West End man when she left the car at 9.30pm on Ryan Street, West End.
Detectives have conducted relentless investigations, combing through over a thousand hours of CCTV and conducting multiple appeals for information to find justice for Crystal.
Police will allege the 49-year-old West End man murdered Crystal and moved her body into the Brisbane River where it was later located.
Following extensive investigations, detectives conducted a search warrant at an Equestrian Drive address in Maudsland at 5.11am this morning, 22 September.
A 49-year-old male was arrested at the location and has since been charged with one count each of murder (domestic violence offence) and misconduct with a corpse.
He is expected to appear before Brisbane Magistrates Court today.
Detective Inspector Wayne Francis says offences of this nature have a devastating impact on family, friends and the community.
"It is reprehensible what happened to Crystal. Over the past seven months detectives have been tirelessly investigating every avenue possible to find answers for her family."
"We were not going to give up until we could provide these answers and get justice for Crystal."
Earlier:
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or call 131 444.
Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
Quote this reference number: QP2500322017
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic and family violence, you should report it to police.
Support and counselling is available from the following agencies:
- DVConnect Womensline: 1800 811 811
- DVConnect Mensline: 1800 600 636
- 1800 RESPECT: 1800 737 732
- 13YARN: 13 92 76
More information is also available from the Queensland Government Domestic and Family Violence portal.
