The suspected murder of a woman at a Hare Krishna retreat on the New South Wales far north coast has devastated local devotees.
Homicide detectives today joined local investigators at the Hare Krishna Community Farm after police confirmed they were treating the death as suspicious.
The body of the 30-year-old was found floating in a dam at the Eungella retreat, near Murwillumbah, by community members about 8.30pm (AEDT) on Monday.
It’s understood the woman, of Tweed Heads, and a male companion had spent the week sorting out “troubles”.
A statement issued by the Hare Krishna community today said the woman was not a devotee of the faith, but a guest at the retreat.
“We would like to offer our deepest sympathy and condolences to the family of the deceased,” the statement said.
“Our small Hare Krishna community is very shocked and upset by this tragedy.
“We are all cooperating with the police during their investigation.”
Channel 10 reported that at least one local resident heard a couple fighting on the night of the woman’s death.
The man had left the retreat and was staying with relatives, the report said.
A post-mortem examination will be carried out at Newcastle Morgue to determine a cause of death and also formally identify the woman.