Man arrested over suspected murder after woman found dead under burnt rubbish in Mount Gambier unit

A man has been arrested in relation to the suspected murder of 55-year-old mother Rachel Moresi.

She was found dead inside her unit in Pick Ave, Mount Gambier, in the southeast of SA, about 1pm on Wednesday.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Woman found dead in Mount Gambier unit.

7NEWS understands her body was found under a pile of rubbish that had been set on fire, and that Moresi’s carer and close friend made the grim discovery.

An investigation looking into suspected foul play has been established, SA Police said on Friday.

A 53-year-old Mount Gambier man was arrested in Portland, Victoria on Thursday.

He is expected to be charged with murder, SA Police said.

SA Police will request the 53-year-old man’s extradition to South Australia during his appearance in Warnambool Magistrates Court on Friday.

The man is then expected to face charges in Mount Gambier Magistrates Court.

Close friends of the slain mother told 7NEWS Moresi had company the night before her body was found, but they do not know who was at the unit with her.

They also said the backdoor to the unit was unlocked when the body was found, adding this was unusual for Moresi who — concerned her cat would escape— usually kept her doors locked, 7NEWS reports.

Moresi adored her cat, according to one friend who was seen taking away the pet away in a carrier.

“I promised I’d take care of him if something were to happen, so I’m keeping that promise,” the friend, who wished to remain anonymous, told 7NEWS.

Other friends described the Mount Gambier mother as a kind woman.

“Rachel was a very loving person, she was a family-orientated person,” friend Justine told 7NEWS.

Justine said she heard Moresi’s carer crying when she discovered the body.

“She was hysterical when she found her. She misses her dearly,” Justine said.

“We’d all like to know what happened.”

— With Hannah Ford