Crystal Beale: Man charged with murder after woman’s body found in Brisbane River at Yeronga

The former partner of a woman whose body was found in the Brisbane River in February has been charged with her murder.

Crystal Beale, 49, was last seen in West End on Friday February 21 before her body was discovered by a member of the public in the river near Yeronga Reach the following day at 5.40am.

Police will allege that at 8.30pm on February 21, the Sunshine Coast mum left a family dinner in Sunnybank and travelled with her 49-year-old ex partner in a car to West End.

Ms Beale was last seen leaving the car on Ryan Street at 9.30pm, according to a statement from Queensland Police.

After combing through thousands of hours CCTV footage and conducting multiple appeals for information, police have charged the 49-year-old man with the murder of Ms Beale.

Police will allege he murdered Ms Beale and moved her body into the Brisbane River where it was later discovered.

“Following extensive investigations, detectives conducted a search warrant at an Equestrian Drive address in Maudsland at 5.11am this morning, 22 September,” the statement read.

“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 on Monday.

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.”

If you or someone you know is experiencing family violence, phone 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) or the Crisis Care Helpline on 1800 199 008.

Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000.