Cops have released a picture of 32-year-old Alexander Carr in connection to the woman’s death in Sunderland.
Officials said they have identified Carr, who has links to Newcastle city centre, Jesmond and Sunderland as a key person in the case.
The 40-year-old’s death is being treated as suspicious.
Northumbria Police said they were called to a home on Brady Street at about 12.30pm on Saturday where they found the woman’s body.
They are appealing for the public’s help to locate Carr.


Members of the public have been urged not to approach him if they see him but to call the police.
Those who have seen him or know where he may be are urged to call 999 quoting crime number 143632K/22.