Police have seized a shovel from the garage of the Avondale Heights home Karen Ristevski shared with her husband, Borce, and daughter Sarah, according to the Herald Sun.
Forensic testing on the shovel has identified two distinct soil samples; the first of which matched soil found behind the family home, while the second matched soil found in the Gisborne-Macedon area.
It is believed the discovery of the shovel could be instrumental in solving the mystery of the Melbourne mother’s disappearance and death.
Mrs Ristevski’s body was uncovered in bushland at Mt Macedon on Monday. The 47-year-old, who ran a boutique, was last seen 236 days prior as she left her family home on June 29 to “clear her head” after reportedly having a fight with her husband.
Speaking with the Herald Sun, Borce Ristevski’s lawyer, Rob Stary, said on Wednesday that it was clear his client was a police suspect.
On the same day, Ms Ristevski’s ice-addicted stepson Anthony Rickard called for the perpetrator to “man up and confess” in a bizarre rant on Facebook.
“As much as u have hurt me karen I would never wish any harm to you,” (sic) he penned.
“All that I’ve done I’m sorry for all you have done to me I forgive I wish u were living it up overseas ur the only person who showed me true love and will always have a place for u in my heart u were my one true soulmate xxx rest in piece Karen,” (sic).
Mrs Ristevski’s brother-in-law Vasko, 56, told the Herald Sun back in August that Mrs Ristevski was experiencing tensions with Mr Rickard, and that may have motivated her to flee to China or the US.
“I reckon she’s run away. That’s my feeling, what with all the rumours going on about Anthony (Rickard),” he said.
“She’s been going overseas to America and Hong Kong each month for the past 10 years on business, and I’m told it’s fairly easy to get a false passport.”
Defending his brother and Mrs Ristevski husband he added, “a lot of husbands” kill their wives “but no way is Borce capable of that”.
If anyone has any information that could help police, contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
