Huge update in unsolved murder of backpacker who was suffocated with bag & body dumped under palm leaves

A HUGE development in the unsolved murder of young German backpacker Simone Strobel has been revealed tonight.

Ms Strobel’s former boyfriend Tobias Friedrich Moran, 42 – previously known as Tobias Suckfuell – has been arrested by homicide detectives in Western Australia.

It comes almost 18 years after the kindergarten teacher, 25, was suffocated with a pillow or plastic bag in Lismore, New South Wales (NSW).

Moran had been travelling with Simone around Australia at the time of her death.

She had enjoyed a night with Moran and other friends before vanishing on February 11, 2005.

Six days later, her body was found less than 100 metres away from the Lismore caravan park where she was last seen.

In a statement, NSW police confirmed Moran had been arrested but did not formally reveal the charges he faces.

They said: “Strike Force Howea investigators are continuing to work with their international counterparts, with investigations continuing.”

An extradition order was granted by Magistrate Sandra De Maio for Moran to be moved to New South Wales.

He is expected to be flown to Sydney on Wednesday and appear before Sydney Downing Centre Local Court the next day.

Moran’s lawyer Tony Elliott said his client has no previous convictions and he is unaware of any other charges.

Simone’s dad Gustl said the family were “totally surprised” by the update.

He told German media: “We cannot believe it.”

Deputy NSW Coroner Paul McMahon deemed the evidence found in 2007 unable to meet the threshold to recommend charges.

He did say he had a “very strong suspicion” Moran was somehow involved.

Moran had refused to return to Australia to give evidence at Simone’s inquest, raising concern among police.