THERE is “no doubt” a mother of three was “brutally murdered” inside her Murray Bridge home according to the head of Major Crime — as police continue a manhunt for her suspected killer.

A passer-by walking his dog saw a man trying to kick down the door of the Albert Tce house just after 8pm — and immediately called SA Police.

Officers found the body of Sally Rothe, 54, with “significant injuries’ shortly after.

The head of Major Crime Des Bray said: “Any person who discovered the crime scene would be left with no doubt it was a deliberate murder of the lady”.

He said SA Police were led to “the inescapable conclusion that this person has been murdered by someone a short time prior”.

SA Police have launched a manhunt for Ms Rothe’s suspected killer, Travis Kirchner, who was last seen in the vicinity of Elizabeth and Railway Tce about 9pm on Sunday.

“Police are currently looking for Travis in connection with this murder,” Det-Supt Bray.

“We urge him to come forward, make contact with police and surrender peacefully. We also appeal to any family, friends or acquaintances of Travis to encourage him to surrender to police.”

Kirchner was wearing a faded red T-shirt and jeans, no shoes but may have changed his clothes.

He is aged 43, caucasian, with a medium build, balding with very short hair and may have a rats tail. He also has a tiger tattoo on his chest and a panther tattoo on the upper right arm.

Det-Supt Bray urged those who know the man not to approach him and ring triple-0 or 131 444.

Neighbours reported it was a quiet night on the Murray Bridge street until police vehicles and ambulances began to arrive just after 8pm.

Tracey Evers said Ms Rothe was “pleasant enough to talk to. She was a frail woman,” she said.

“She pretty much kept to themselves.”`

Neighbour Malcolm Campbell said he rarely saw Ms Rothe but disturbances were a common occurrence.

“Occasionally you hear noises coming from there, arguments,” he said.

“We didn’t hear anything last night until a cop car rocked up then another and then an ambulance.”

More information is expected to be released later on Monday morning.

Anyone with information on the woman’s death is asked to contact the police assistance line on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.