Husband of murdered Melbourne mum 'heard attack' during phone call

From 9news.com.au

The husband of a murdered Melbourne mother heard the fatal attack while he was on the phone with her.

Privantha Somawansa, who was in Brisbane for work, phoned his wife about 8pm and heard "distressing noises", The Herald Sun reports.

A family source told the newspaper Mr Somawansa has provided detailed information to police about what happened during the call.

A 21-year-old man from Lara, Geelong, has been charged with the murder of 48-year-old Prasad Somawansa.

Mrs Somawansa's body was found in her Hoppers Crossing home on Thursday night, with severe upper body injuries.

Police earlier said Mr Somawansa had asked a family friend to check on his wife after she did not answer his calls.

Mrs Somawansa’s 21-year-old SES volunteer son learned of her death while out on a job, either through the emergency radio network or by phone.

"He's obviously traumatised, as you can understand," police said.

Police will allege that she was killed between 8pm and 9.25pm.

Mrs Somawansa has been described by neighbours as a quiet and loving woman.

Her body was taken to the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine for an autopsy.