Homeless murder suspect 'a loner'

The homeless man sought over a grisly murder at Melbourne's Botanic Gardens has been described as a quiet loner.

A statewide manhunt continues for 42-year-old Scott Allen Miller after the body of a woman, a Chinese national aged in her 30s, was found under a tree by joggers on Saturday morning.

Miller is the key suspect.

The victim is believed to have been in Australia working in the hospitality industry but she has yet to be formally identified.

Her body was found undressed and police believe she may have been on her way to work when she was assaulted and died at the scene.

Miller, from West Australia, has been living rough in Melbourne's CBD for at least six weeks and may still be in the area, Homicide Squad Detective Sergeant Nathan Favre said.

The Herald Sun reports that Miller had been sleeping alone at the Janet Lady Clarke Rotunda within the Botanic Gardens, 200m from where the woman's body was found.

Salvation Army Major Brendan Nottle told the newspaper Miller had been dropping in for a meal at the organisation's cafe for people in need at Bourke Street for the last two to three months.

He said welfare workers had also delivered meals at the rotunda where he slept — but he had otherwise refused assistance.

"He has been very quiet and kept to himself," Major Nottle said.

Police believe the woman was assaulted, possibly sexually assaulted, but are waiting on an autopsy before commenting further on a cause of death.

Police said items seized from the crime scene had led police to Miller but would not say what those items were.

Anyone who sees Miller is warned not to approach him but call triple-0 immediately.

Anyone with information about the death should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.