Watch FIFA World Cup 2026™

LIVE, FREE and EXCLUSIVE

Manhunt after NSW mum found dead in her home

NSW police are looking for a man who they say might be able to help them find the killer of a woman who has been found dead in her Wollongong home.

Detectives investigating the death of Wollongong woman Kristie Powell have released a photo of Bhanu Kirkma, who they say could assist their inquiries
Detectives investigating the death of Wollongong woman Kristie Powell have released a photo of Bhanu Kirkma, who they say could assist their inquiries Source: Supplied

Detectives investigating the death of a woman in her northern Wollongong home on Friday have released a photo of a man they say could help with their inquiries.

Police are hunting the killer of Kristie Powell, who was found dead just metres from her five-month old son in their Bellambi home.

The child was found unharmed by police who were called to the house about 1am.

Kristie Powell, 39, was found dead about 1am by a friend.
Kristie Powell, 39, was found dead about 1am by a friend. Source: Supplied

It's understood a friend of Ms Powell made the grisly discovery and called emergency services. It's unclear how long she lay undiscovered. 

News that makes sense

Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Police said they wanted to speak to Bhanu Kirkman, 29, who is known to frequent the Illawarra, Shoalhaven and Sydney areas.

He  is described as being of Indian or sub-continental appearance, around 180cm to 185cm tall, with a large build and black hair.

Bhanu Kirkman, aged 29, is described as being of Indian / Sub-Continental appearance.
Bhanu Kirkman, aged 29, is described as being of Indian / Sub-Continental appearance. Source: Supplied

Anyone who sees him is urged not to approach him but to call triple zero.

On Friday, police said the victim was covered in a "significant" amount of blood when found.

"We're treating it as a homicide," Detective Inspector Brad Ainsworth told reporters.

Ms Powell, 39,  earlier in the year posted to Facebook saying she had a stalker who would message her death threats, prompting her to stop answering calls from private numbers.

Police have warned people not to approach the 29-year-old.
Police have warned people not to approach the 29-year-old. Source: Supplied

"Even tho most of his messages say 'Die Kristie Die' he doesn't approach me or my house, he just calls me or sends me msgs (sometimes I get over 100 a day!) But none of them make any sense!," Ms Powell said in the March post.

In another post she said the stalker called himself "The Reaper".

Anyone with further information about Ms Powell's death is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on1800 333 000.


2 min read

Published

Updated

Source: SBS News



Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News straight to your inbox

Sign up now for daily news from Australia and around the world. You can also subscribe to Insight's weekly newsletter for in-depth features and first-person stories.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Follow SBS News

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service

Stream now

Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world