Fresh appeal in ‘solvable’ TV singer murder

Joanne Howell, then 51, died in her Hughesdale apartment on April 21, 2007, after being savagely assaulted and strangled.Ms Howell was found in her Poath Road apartment about 11.20pm, and despite efforts from police and paramedics to try and save her, she died at the scene.But despite an extensive investigation and a coronial inquest, the case remains unsolved and no one has ever been charged more than 13 years on from Ms Howell’s murder.Victoria Police renewed their appeal for information on Tuesday and have released a digital composite image of a man they wish to identify and speak to.A friend told police he had spoken to Ms Howell on the phone earlier that night for about 30 minutes from 8pm. This led detectives to believe she was killed sometime between 8.30pm and 11.19pm.Police said neighbours also reported hearing a loud noise from the property sometime between 9pm and 9.30pm.

Detectives said nothing appeared to be missing or stolen from her unit when police arrived.Ms Howell’s ex-boyfriend, Paul Charlton, then aged 52, was arrested at the apartment but was later released without charge.Police said he remained a key suspect in Ms Howell’s death.In 2011, coroner Paresa Antoniadis Spanos found Mr Charlton had “caused or contributed” to her death.Mr Charlton told the Herald Sun last week he could not prove his innocence to police and had resigned himself to that situation for the rest of his life.Homicide squad Detective Inspector Tim Day said police were not ready to give up on the case.“We strongly believe that this is a solvable case,” he said.

“Thirteen years is a long time for any family to wait for justice, but it might now be just the right time for someone to come forward with the answers that investigators need.“Police have been told a lot of stories during the course of this investigation. Now we’re waiting for someone to tell us the truth.”The case has been reviewed by homicide squad detectives throughout 2020.Inspector Day said history had shown there was always someone out there who knew the real story, and he urged them to come forward.“Police haven’t forgotten about Joanne and the community shouldn’t either – if you know anything, now is absolutely the time to come forward,” he said.Anyone with information that could assist investigators has been urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
jack.paynter@news.com.au