A Canberra woman has been found dead at the National Zoo and Aquarium as a result of an apparent stabbing.
Key points:
- A Canberra woman was found dead of apparent stab wounds at the National Zoo and Aquarium
- The victim's coworker, a 29-year-old-man, was taken to Canberra Hospital in police custody
- ACT Policing Detective Superintendent Hall O'Meagher says it appears the woman was stabbed to death with a knife
ACT police and emergency services were called to the zoo about 12:50pm Monday after reports of "loud screams".
Police said they found the woman dead in a commercial kitchen area.
A person of interest, a 29-year-old man from the Canberra suburb Oaks Estate, was taken into custody and transported to hospital under police guard.
Detective Superintendent Hall O'Meagher of ACT Criminal Investigations said in a press conference that the victim and the suspect were coworkers at the zoo.
"[But] it's unknown at this point in time if they had any further relationship outside of that work arrangement," he said.
Detective Superintendent O'Meagher said when police arrived on the scene they found the 29-year-old woman dead and that it was apparent she had been stabbed.
"It's apparent at this stage that the deceased died as a result of stab wounds," he said.
"A post-mortem examination will be conducted in coming days, but at this stage it looks like she's been stabbed to death with a knife.
"The knife was located at the scene."
Detective Superintendent O'Meagher said police do not believe there are any direct witnesses to the incident, however, there were witnesses nearby at the time who have spoken to police.
"Witnesses have described loud screams from around the commercial kitchen area, and they responded to that," he said.
"The deceased was located in situ at a storeroom out the back of the commercial kitchen within the zoo."
Detective Superintendent O'Meagher said the suspect was in a stable condition with what appeared to be self-inflicted wounds that were "significant enough that he was transported to the Canberra Hospital".
He said no charges had been laid at this stage, and police were conducting inquires into the background of both the victim and the suspect.
"A homicide investigation has commenced and further inquires will include an examination of the scene forensically, talking to witnesses, and, ultimately, a post-mortem examination that will confirm the cause of death of this woman," Detective Superintendent O'Meagher said.
"The investigating police have spoken to the family of the deceased, and our thoughts are with them at this very difficult time for them."
He said the zoo would be "closed for some time" as police carried out their forensic examination of the scene.
"The National Zoo and Aquarium are cooperating with the police investigation, however, it's unknown at this time how long the zoo will actually be closed for," Detective Superintendent O'Meagher said.
"It's important to state at this stage there is no ongoing threat to the ACT community, and the incident appears to be contained to that location of the incident itself."
Access to trauma counselling for zoo staff
On its facebook page the National Zoo and Aquarium said it had "experienced a tragic event on Monday involving staff members".
"Due to the incredibly sad events, both the zoo and Jamala will be closed tomorrow in respect of all those affected directly or indirectly," it said.
It said tours and encounters would be cancelled on Tuesday, with hopes the zoo will be ready to resume operations on Wednesday.
"We request that visitors and guests recognise the significant trauma that staff have experienced and that they respect their need for privacy on this matter," the statement said.
"Our thoughts are with the families along with those staff affected in one way or another – all staff have been given access to trauma counselling.
"We thank staff and outsiders who have helped our staff deal with this sad event, along with those who have passed on their thoughts."
Police are urging anyone with information that could assist police to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website, and quote reference 7623644.
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2023-12-18 09:11:15Z
CBMibGh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmFiYy5uZXQuYXUvbmV3cy8yMDIzLTEyLTE4L2FjdC13b21hbi1mb3VuZC1kZWFkLWF0LWNhbmJlcnJhLXpvby1tYW4tdGFrZW4taW50by1jdXN0b2R5LzEwMzI0MjU3NtIBAA
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