Friends of Brazilian woman found dead make emotional plea for help

The friends of a Brazilian businesswoman whose body was found on the banks of Lane Cove River on the weekend have made an emotional plea for help to find her killer, as police confirm they are looking to question a former lover.

Cecilia Haddad loved Australia and her life here, with friends describing her as warm-hearted and loyal.

She loved her Dalmation, fishing, and spending time with the people she was close to.

That’s why her sudden and suspicious death has broken her friends, who say they loved her liked a sister.

“Loyal, extremely intelligent – she’ll be extremely missed,” an emotional Rita Maciel told 7 News.

Three days after the 38-year-old’s fully-clothed body was found, police have said that they are looking for a suspected murderer.

Detectives returned to the water on Wednesday in their search for clues.

Cecilia was last seen at a barbeque on Friday night, then spoke to friends on Saturday morning but did not show up to appointments later in the day.

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On Sunday morning her body was found by kayakers in the river, eight kilometres from her home.

The woman’s apartment at Ryde is now being guarded by police.

Her distinctive Fiat 500 was found on Sunday afternoon at West Ryde train station and has been towed away to be forensically examined.

Detectives are trawling through hours of security video to pinpoint exactly when the Fiat was driven to the station, and whether it was Cecilia or someone else behind the wheel.

“My appeal goes out to people who may be in possession of CCTV footage or dash cam footage, please contact us,” Homicide Squad’s Detective Acting Inspector Ritchie Sim said.

For friend Carol Carama, the tragedy “came from nowhere … we are all heartbroken.”

Her mother back in Brazil is one of many desperate for answers and pleading for anyone who saw something to come forward.

Investigations have stretched overseas, with police confirming they are looking to question a former lover who may have recently flown back to Brazil and whose whereabouts are now unknown.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 737 732 or use the online reporting page.