Search for clues intensifies into murdered Cooktown mum
WHO KILLED DONNA?
- Slain mum knew her killer: Police
- Missing woman's body found in Cooktown
- Police seek help to locate missing woman
UPDATE: The brother of murdered Cooktown woman Donna Steele has pleaded for public information into his sisters death.
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Detectives continue to appeal for information into her disappearance as police divers search the creek her dead body was found.
Dive squad members from Brisbane and Townsville will scour Isabella Creek today for clues into the murder of the 42-year old Donna Steele, who was last seen at the local supermarket at midday on Wednesday.
Crocodiles inhabit the waters at the Leggett’s Crossing location with police setting up nets in an attempt to protect the divers from an attack.
Detective Inspector Geoff Marsh said they were seeking dash camera footage from motorists in Cooktown to trace her movements from 12.15pm to 4pm on Wednesday afternoon.
She was driving a White Toyota Hilux which is still located at her Poison Creek Road home - the current focal point of the investigation.
Police revealed her two sons, aged 8 and 10, cared for themselves on Wednesday night after arriving home from school to find their mother gone.
“They got themselves to school the next day, they didn’t tell anyone at school or any teacher what had happened, and got themselves home on the Thursday afternoon,” Marsh said.
“You can only imagine how they felt, 24 hours without a mother.”
It was only after their father arrived home on Thursday afternoon that she was reported missing. He is not a suspect in the murder investigation and was working away from the community during his partner’s disappearance.
“That’s been established quite easily via his employer and by the work that he does,” Marsh said.
The Cooktown community remains in shock as tributes continue to pour in for the popular local woman.
“Everyone has commented that Donna was an exceptional mother,” Marsh said.
“She never missed a school event, she always put her boys first and would go without herself so that the boys would have everything they wanted.
“They were the priority in her life.”
Anyone with information can contact Policelink on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.