BASHED Altona bookshop owner Jill Brookes has emerged from a coma but is yet to speak about the fateful day on which she was beaten almost to death.
Ms Brookes, 61 (pictured), was found in a pool of blood at her West Side Stories shop in Harrington Square shopping centre about 3.45pm on July 20.
She remains in a stable condition at The Alfred hospital.
The Weekly understands she can see, hear, recognise and understand things, but has not yet spoken.
Detective Sergeant Brad Lawrence, of the Hobsons Bay crime investigation unit, said police were waiting for her condition to improve before trying to communicate with her.
“She’s improving, I’m told, daily, and it’s just a matter of time to see whether we’ll be able to speak with her at some stage,” he said.
“We understand that her health is of most importance and we’ll be guided by the hospital and the family as to when will be the best time to speak with her.
“We’re maintaining an open mind on what’s taken place.
“The investigation is ongoing. We’re investigating all motives. Police certainly believe it is an isolated incident.
“We would be interested in speaking to anyone in the Altona area who may have personal or private CCTV footage external to their house.”
A Facebook post by Altona Village Traders Association about Ms Brookes’ improved condition had received more than 140 ‘likes’ as of yesterday.
One person posted: “Gee I hope she can recognise the person/persons who done this when she is better.”
Information to Crime Stoppers on 1800333000 or go to the website at crimestoppers.com.au
– Goya Dmytryshchak
