Homicide Squad detectives today released images of a t-shirt and cap located at the scene as part of the ongoing investigation into the murder of a woman in Bundoora this week.
The body of Aiia Maasarwe, 21, was located by passers-by in shrub off Main Drive, near Plenty Road, about 7am on Wednesday, 16 January.
It appears the 21-year-old Israeli national had been seriously assaulted however the exact circumstances surrounding her death are yet to be determined.
Police believe Aiia was at a comedy club in North Melbourne earlier that night and caught the 86 tram from a Bourke Street stop.
Investigators also believe it is likely the student got of the tram in Bundoora near where her body was located.
Homicide detectives are releasing CCTV images of Aiia which shows the clothing she was wearing that night, in the hope someone saw her on the night and can help police track her exact movements.
Investigators are also releasing images of a t-shirt and a cap which were located at the scene.
The t-shirt is described as being dark coloured on the shoulders and sleeves, then a light grey in the body.
The cap is black in colour and has ‘1986’ printed on the front.
Forensic testing is also being conducted on the clothing and police believe it is likely to have been left there by the person responsible for Aiia’s death.
Police would like to speak to anyone who recognises the clothing or has seen anyone wearing the items recently, particularly in the Bundoora area.
They are also keen to speak to anyone who has located any unusual or out of place items near the crime scene over the past 48 hours.
A line search of the area is again being conducted by police and SES today.
Detective Inspector Andrew Stamper said information from the public is likely to prove crucial in this investigation.
“There will be someone out there who has seen a person wearing this clothing, and we really need them to come forward and provide us with that information,” he said.
“If you have information about the identity of this person then I urge you to tell us.
“We have a grieving family who has had to fly halfway across the world under the most horrific circumstances and we want to be able to give them some answers.”
Police are still keen to speak to anyone who was in the vicinity of Main Drive and Plenty Road between 11pm last night and 1am this morning.
This includes anyone driving through the area, particularly the intersection of Plenty Road and Main Drive or the Polaris Shopping Centre, and may have dash cam footage.
They would also like to speak to anyone who may have been on the 86 tram which travels from the Melbourne CBD to Bundoora.
There will be increased police patrols and presence in the Bundoora area by police from the North West Metro Region, along with members of the Transit Safety Division and Operations Response Unit.
Acting Superintendent Tony Ryan from North West Metro said he understood the community was shocked and concerned following Aiia’s death.
“I can assure the community that police will have an increased presence in the area over the coming days and we’ll also be liaising with local residents and organisations,” he said.
“We all have a right to be and feel safe.”
Anyone with any information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
