A male friend of a Brisbane mother killed in her home while her daughters slept is the chief suspect in her death.
The woman was found dead in the lounge room by a housemate after she received a late night visit from Jacob Michael Smith, described by police as a friend.
Two of her daughters, aged 11 and 12, were sleeping in the house where they lived when she died.
The nature of the 34-year-old woman's injuries was not revealed, but police said no weapon was involved.
Police have released an image of Smith, described as 180 centimetres tall, of average build and with dark hair.
Smith, 38, is alleged to have visited the woman's home at Norman Park, in Brisbane's inner east, during the early hours of Tuesday morning.
Detective Inspector Rod Kemp said he was there about 90 minutes before police were called.
"He could've been there around 2am," Det Insp Kemp told reporters.
"All I can say is he's known to the person. He's been there before."
Police do not believe he was an ex-partner.
It was unclear if the man left the Milsom Street home on foot, in a car, or by train at the nearby Norman Park railway station.
Attempts by paramedics to revive the woman were unsuccessful.
The woman's two housemates, who did not hear anything, are co-operating with police, as they appeal for public information.
"There was no noises as such, no extreme violence evident," Insp Kemp said.
He was unable to say if the victim had been sexually assaulted.
The woman's daughters were receiving counselling as forensic experts combed the property on Tuesday morning.
A third daughter, aged 15, lives with her grandmother.
"Horrendous. It's their mother. Absolutely horrendous," Insp Kemp said.
The woman's body was removed from the home on Tuesday afternoon.
The property was sealed off with police tape as officers interviewed neighbours.
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