Travis Kirchner, 43, pictured, wanted in connection with the murder of Sally Rothe, 54, was taken into custody after police raided a home in the south- eastern Melbourne suburb of Doveton.

His arrest followed a tip-off from SA police.

South Australian police said Kirchner, along with a man, 49, and a woman, 50, were arrested without incident at 6pm.

Kirchner had evaded police after being identified on Monday as the suspect in the murder of Ms Rothe, whose battered body was found in her home by officers on Sunday evening.

The Victoria Police Fugitive Task Force and Homicide Squad attended the house in Doveton acting on information from the South Australian Police Major Crime Investigation Branch. SAPOL officers will travel to Victoria to apply for extradition.

The two people arrested with Kirchner face charges of assisting an offender to escape apprehension.

All three will appear in the Dandenong Magistrates Court on Monday.

Ms Rothe’s family was last night notified of the arrest – and police thanked the Murray Bridge community for their help.

“SA Police would like to thank everyone for their assistance and co-operation,” a spokesman said.

Following the discovery of Ms Rothe’s body, police launched a statewide manhunt, searching more than 110 properties in the Murray Bridge area.

Dozens of police and detectives descended on Murray Bridge.

The murder came to light after a passer-by walking their dog past the property on Albert Tce saw a man trying to kick down the door of the house about 8pm on Sunday.

A short time later police arrived to find the 54-year-old with significant injuries.

SA Police Major Crime officer-in-charge Detective Superintendent Des Bray said: “Any person who discovered the crime scene would be left with no doubt it was a deliberate murder of the lady.”

Det-Supt Bray made no secret of the target of his officers as they searched the town, saying they were investigating the illicit drug network and believed the wanted man may have been helped to evade police.

On Tuesday Kirchner’s sister Tracy made an emotional plea to her brother to hand himself in to police.

“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,” Tracy said.

“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.”

Sightings of Kirchner were reported as far away as the Gold Coast and Victoria.