By DANIELLE GALVIN
THE family of slain Pakenham mum Kylie Blackwood has appealed for the media to leave them alone in a statement released today.
Homicide Squad detectives today manned an information caravan on The Avenue near Eagle Drive appealing for anyone who may have seen a man in the area in the hours after Mrs Blackwood’s death.
The man has been described as being about 177 cm tall, medium build with a muscular upper body. He was wearing loose fitting black pants and a black zip-up jacket.
Police have been told the man was carrying a brown paper bag and believe he may be able to help with their investigation.
The Blackwood family, who have not returned to their McCaffery Rise home, released a statement urging the media to leave them alone while they grieve.
Mrs Blackwood’s husband Peter is understood to have received daily requests for interviews.
“We understand the death of our beautiful Mum and wife Kylie has touched a lot of people,” the statement read.
“We miss her every day and would like to thank the community for their love and support at this very sad and difficult time.
“While we’re grateful for everyone’s thoughts, we ask that the media please allow us time to grieve privately with our family.”
Detectives have received information that a man was seen walking south along Eagle Drive and then along The Avenue, towards the Princes Highway, between 2pm and 2.30pm on the day Mrs Blackwood was killed.
Despite an extensive door-knock of the area, police have been unable to confirm the man’s identity.
Homicide Squad Detective Senior Sergeant David Snare said police were still unsure as to the motive behind the cowardly crime and needed the public’s help to find the man who may hold vital clues.
“We don’t think he was involved in the incident at all but we need to speak to him,” he said.
“We have spoken to people and he is unaccounted for in the area. Somebody may know him and he may be able to provide information or be able to assist us.
“We haven’t been able to find him – he may have just been walking through and not seen anything.”
Det Sen Sgt Snare said police had interviewed in excess of 40 people following the latest appeal for information and that the “distressed and traumatised” family was grateful for the public’s help.
He admited the Homicide Squad was frustrated the investigation was moving slowly.
Call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
