Police have executed a dramatic arrest on a busy highway, pulling over a car in relation to the murder of a beloved mother-of-three.
Police have been desperately searching for Travis Kirchner, 43, following the brutal slaying of his Sally Rothe, 54, on Sunday.
Ms Rothe was found dead at her home in the sleepy town of Murray Bridge, east of Adelaide, South Australia, shortly after 8pm.
Detectives said there was ‘no doubt’ Ms Rothe had been murdered and pleaded for the public’s help finding the heavily inked Kirchner.
The video released on Wednesday afternoon shows several uniformed and plain-clothed officers arresting two men at gunpoint.
South Australian detectives are desperately hunting for Travis Kirchner, 43 – said to have a tiger tattoo and a ‘possible’ rat’s tail
Sally Rothe – described by friends as ‘very spiritual’ and as a mother-of-three – was found dead at her Albert Terrace, Murray Bridge, home about 8pm on Sunday
Police have executed a dramatic arrest on a busy highway, pulling over a car in relation to the murder of a beloved mother-of-three
The footage was captured near the Murray Bridge just after 10am. Police can be seen closing in on a 90s Holden Commodore, with one man lying prone on the ground.
There appears to be at least five police vehicles surrounding the maroon car, including a paddy wagon, police cruiser and undercover car.
Of the two men arrested, one man matched the description of Mr Kirchner, Nine reported.
It is not clear whether the two men arrested have been formally charged, or if they are directly related to Mr Kirchner or the ongoing investigation.
The footage was captured near the Murray Bridge just after 10am. Police can be seen closing in on a 90s Holden Commodore, with one man lying prone on the ground
It is not clear whether the two men arrested have been formally charged, or if they are directly related to Mr Kirchner or the ongoing investigation
Police issued a warrant for the 43-year-old’s arrest on Tuesday, on the charge of murder.
Major Crime investigator Brevet Sergeant Alicia Arkit released a statement from Kirchner’s sister Tracy, appealing for him to hand himself in to police.
‘Travis I’m really worried about what has been going on over the past few days and I want you to hand yourself into Police,’ the statement read.
‘Please give me a ring, we can meet somewhere and we can go in together to sort this out.
‘I’m not sure what happened on Sunday night but the longer it goes on the harder it will be.
‘I’m worried about where you are and just want you to come in safely.
‘No matter what has happened – you are my brother, I love you and I’m really worried about you.
‘Please come in so I know you’re safe.’
Crime scene: Neighbours woke up to shocking scenes in sleepy Murray Bridge on Monday following the slaying death of Sally Rothe
Ms Rothe has been described by friends and family as a ‘very spiritual’ mother-of-three.
A dog-walking neighbour rang police after spotting a man trying to kick Ms Rothe’s door in on Sunday night.
Ms Rothe body was discovered with ‘significant injuries’, Detective Superintendent Des Bray said.
She and Kirchner were known to each other, he said, and Kirchner was ‘well known to police’.
‘Any person that discovered that crime scene could be left with no doubt it was a deliberate murder,’ he said.
‘Multiple people know who is responsible for this murder.’
Kirchner is believed to be wearing a faded red T-shirt and jeans. Police said he had a tiger inked on his chest and a panther on his upper right arm.
Ms Rothe and Kirchner were known to each other and Kirchner is ‘well known to police’
He was described as Caucasian, 176cm tall, 81kg, with a slim build, green eyes and short/balding brown hair. He possibly has a ‘rat tail’ hair style.
The public have been warned to stay away from him if they see him.
‘The man obviously committed a brutal murder a short time ago, and is currently fleeing – really anybody in that situation is dangerous and shouldn’t be approached by anybody,’ Det Supt Bray said.
A crime scene has been established at the woman’s home, and the local criminal investigation branch and Major Crime Detectives are investigating.
Detective Superintendent Bray urged the public not to approach Kirchner but to call police immediately on 131 444 if they see him. Anyone with information can also call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 and remain anonymous.
Anyone with information on the woman’s death is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.