A woman discovered deceased at a popular beachside park has been identified as a 75-year-old retiree who was known to regularly walk her dog in the area. Rita Acres was found by a council worker at The Pines beachfront park in Hervey Bay, Queensland, on Friday morning.
Authorities declared a crime scene, and the area remained cordoned off for over 24 hours as forensic officers and State Emergency Service volunteers conducted a thorough search for evidence. Officers were observed examining a dented Mercedes believed to belong to Ms Acres, as well as the adjacent toilet block.
The park remained closed on Saturday morning while investigators work to determine whether the death is suspicious. Members of the public have been interviewed as part of the inquiry. 'A crime scene has been declared while investigations are conducted at the scene,' Queensland Police stated.
Background of the Victim
Ms Acres had relocated to Hervey Bay approximately 18 months before her death and resided at Fraser Shores, according to the Fraser Coast Chronicle. The pensioner was known to walk her dog, Scruffy, at The Pines. However, the dog was not present at the beach when her body was discovered. It is understood that neighbours are currently caring for Scruffy.
Unrelated Discovery
The discovery of Ms Acres' body came just days after a suspected human bone was found at the nearby Pialba Caravan Park on Tuesday. That bone is believed to have been there for some time and is not connected to the investigation into Ms Acres' death.
