Man charged with Donna Steele murder

Cooktown mum Donna Steele was murdered by someone she knew, police say.

Her alleged killer, Matthew Ross White, was at home in Cairns with his partner and infant child when police arrested him on Friday night.

The 25-year-old was interviewed and then formally charged with Ms Steele's murder, as well as interfering with her corpse and entering a dwelling with intent.

He appeared in the Cairns Magistrates Court on Saturday morning and was remanded in custody until May 2.

Speaking to media in Cairns, Detective Inspector Geoff Marsh said the pair were known to each other, but would not specify how.

"I can confirm that there was a loose relationship between Matthew White and Donna Steele," he said.

"Matthew grew up in Cooktown ... Cooktown is a small community. Everyone knows everyone else and the Whites do know the Steeles."

Det Marsh said evidence would prove White was in Cooktown on August 2, when Ms Steele was last seen at the local IGA.

Her body was found in the Endeavour River four days later, sparking a massive seven-month investigation that involved aerial and ground searches of homes, properties and waterways.

Scientific analysis has also been conducted on more then 200 items, with trace DNA identified on some of these.

Det Marsh said police believe White was alone when he killed Ms Steele, but would not comment on his motive.

"On the information we have there is no evidence to suggest that any other person was involved in this offence," he said.

Det Marsh dismissed suggestions a $250,000 reward offered just one week ago led to the breakthrough.

"I can categorically tell you that no reward will be paid, no reward has been sought by any person who has provided evidence or information to the police service," he said.

"I can tell you that all the information that has been supplied to us has been supplied freely."

Det Marsh said Ms Steele's family, including her husband Tony Brown and their two sons, were relieved by news of the arrest.

"Obviously it will never bring Donna back," he said.

"The boys will never have a mother, Donna's brother will never see his sister again, Donna's father will never see his daughter again but they will have some peace in knowing that the perpetrator of this horrific crime is now being brought before justice and is presently in custody."