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Coogee murder investigation launched into death of Kimberley McRae

EXCLUSIVE: Mystery as transgender sex worker is found murdered in her beachside Sydney apartment – and her body could have been there for up to seven days

  • A woman has been found murdered in an apartment in Coogee, in Sydney’s east
  • Kimberley McRae’s body was discovered in her unit on Mount Street on Tuesday
  • Homicide detectives from NSW Police have launched an investigation her death
  • Ms McRae was a well-known transgender identity in Coogee and nearby suburbs
  • Police said Ms McRae worked in the sex industry and also went by other names
  • Do you know more? Email tips@dailymail.com 

Kimberley McRae (pictured) was found dead in her apartment in Coogee on Tuesday

A murder investigation is underway after a transgender woman’s body was found in a beachside apartment in Sydney’s east. 

Kimberley McRae was found dead in her apartment on Mount Street, Coogee, on Tuesday morning.

Daily Mail Australia understands the 69-year-old woman’s body had been inside the apartment for several days before neighbours raised the alarm.  

Ms McRae, who also uses the first name Sabrina, is a well-known transgender identity in the suburb. 

Police said Ms McRae lived alone and did not own a vehicle, but was known to walk and exercise in the local area and had ‘distinct personal style with recognisable features’.

New South Wales Homicide Squad boss Detective Superintendent Danny Doherty said the last known sighting of Ms McRae was on January 7, at her Coogee unit.

He said the next seven days until her body was found on Tuesday remain a mystery. 

‘Investigators are aware Kim worked in the sex industry and may be known to some of her associates as Isabella, Samantha and Sabrina,’Det Supt Doherty said.

‘Of course, we’d be keen to speak to anyone who has information or knowledge of Kim’s social activities.’ 

Ms McRae wrote a book last year titled ‘Hey Boys, She’s Got a Gash and other Tales of Gods – A Memoir’ – which detailed the struggles of being transgender.   

Ms McRae, who also uses the first name Sabrina, was a well-known transgender identity in Coogee, in Sydney's east

A friend Presley Hunter (right) described Ms McRae (left) as 'an icon of Coogee for over a decade'

Ms McRae, who also uses the first name Sabrina, was a well-known transgender identity in Coogee, in Sydney’s east

A resident who lived near Ms McRae said police had canvassed several apartment blocks on Mount Street in the early part of this week.

‘They knocked on our door and told my wife of a suspicious death in a neighbouring apartment building,’ the man said.   

Ms McRae wrote a book last year under the name Isabella Lawson, which detailed the struggles of a transgender person living in Sydney's east

Ms McRae wrote a book last year under the name Isabella Lawson, which detailed the struggles of a transgender person living in Sydney’s east

‘I wasn’t home at the time but they asked my wife if she’d heard any shouting of screaming on the Friday before.’

Another man said he regularly saw Ms McRae out walking, describing her as ‘the best known person in Coogee’.

‘She was always out walking around town and with big hair and glasses, it was very hard to miss,’ he said. 

A friend Presley Hunter paid tribute to Ms McRae and described her as one of the kindest people.

‘She was certainly an icon of Coogee for over a decade. She was ‘out there’ but she’s the kindest person I’ve known,’ she said.

Police said a post mortem examination had been conducted, but further tests are required to determine exactly how Ms McRae died. 

An autopsy is currently being performed by the state coroner which detectives hope will provide a clearer idea of how she died. 

Anyone with information about Ms McRae’s death is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. 

Daily Mail Australia understands Ms McRae's body had been inside her apartment on Mount Street (pictured), Coogee, for several days before neighbours raised the alarm

Daily Mail Australia understands Ms McRae’s body had been inside her apartment on Mount Street (pictured), Coogee, for several days before neighbours raised the alarm

Read more at DailyMail.co.uk



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