The devastated daughter of a much-loved mother who died after suffering suspected stab wounds to the neck is urging people to help police find their prime murder suspect.
A manhunt was launched after Michelle Hanson was found dead at a property in Brady Street, Sunderland, on December 3.
Detectives working on the investigation have been trying to piece together what happened and are urgently trying to find 32-year-old Alexander Carr.
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Now, her daughter, Shannon Brown, 29, has gone on camera to pay tribute to her mam, while also appealing for anyone who may have any information which could assist the investigation to come forward.
She said: “As a family, we are all devastated by what has happened.
“My mam was a caring, kind and loving person.
“She would never hurt anyone, even if someone did something to hurt her, she would forgive them because she always saw the good in people.
“She always got on with things and never gave up. It’s heart-breaking for us as a family to know we will never see her again.
“She will be missed by all of us. Her granddaughter turns two in a couple of weeks and it is devastating that she will not get the chance to get to know her nana. Our lives will never be the same again.
“All we want now is justice for our mam. Please, if you have any information which can help the police with their investigation, don’t hesitate to get in touch with them. Any little piece of information could help.”
“Our mam deserves justice.”
Extensive searches have been ongoing to locate Mr Carr and the independent charity Crimestoppers have also issued a £10,000 reward for any information submitted exclusively to them that leads to his arrest.
Senior Investigating Officer on the case Detective Chief Inspector Graeme Barr said: “Our thoughts are very much with Michelle’s family at this devastating time and our specially-trained officers will continue to support them in any way we can.
“Her family deserve answers and we are committed to finding out what has happened and bringing anyone involved to justice.”
Mr Carr, a student at the University of Sunderland, is from Wearside, but has links to London, and is also known to visit Newcastle, North Tyneside and some areas in Northumberland.
He is thought to be actively evading arrest and police have said Mr Carr “believes himself able to survive outdoors” so he could take shelter in empty buildings or outbuildings.
Members of the public should not approach him, but instead alert officers immediately if they have seen him or know of his whereabouts.
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DCI Barr said: “We would like to thank everyone who has already come forward with information in relation to this case, including the potential whereabouts of Alexander Carr.
“We would ask anyone who is yet to get in touch or believe they may have seen him or know where he is to contact police straight away.”
Anyone with information that can assist the search for Carr is asked to report it to police by calling 999 quoting log NP-20221203-0434.
If you wish to pass on information anonymously and be eligible for the £10,000 reward, please do so by visiting www.crimestoppers-uk.org or call 0800 555 111.
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