Police have released an image of one of the men they believe can help their inquiries.– Alison Noonan
THE neighbour of murdered Cranbourne grandmother Rita Byrne has been found dead in his home a week after being questioned by police.
The body of the 32-year-old was discovered in his Camms Road house last Tuesday, just days after being interviewed by police in relation to the smothering death of the 77-year-old.
Police said the man’s death was not being treated as suspicious but confirmed he was a ‘person of interest’ in the case.
Mrs Byrne, a dedicated church-goer and active community member, was asphyxiated before an accelerant was used to start a fire in her kitchen and living area.
Homicide squad detectives said investigations into the widow’s murder were still continuing and wished to speak to two men seen near her house at about 6am on Tuesday, 8 November.
One of the men is described as being aged in his late teens to early 20s, 168-172cm tall, of thin build, fair complexion with blond shaggy shoulder length hair and a goatee-style stubble beard.
The other man is his early 20s, 170-175cm,of medium build, olive-tanned complexion with short spiky hair.
He was wearing a black windcheater with a red horizontal band around the waist and dark pants.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
