Former Bermuda prosecutor Lloyd Rayney is not a suspect in the murder of his estranged wife, according to reports in Australia.

Newspapers in Perth — where mother-of-two Corryn Rayney was slaughtered earlier this month after failing to return home from a line dancing class — say detectives hunting her killer have ruled out her husband. Detective Senior Sergeant Jack Lee told media gathered outside the property that the search was a "process of elimination" and a normal line of inquiry.

"Mr. Rayney has fully cooperated with the Police in this investigation," he said. "I wish to emphasise Mr. Rayney is not a suspect and any further speculation regarding his involvement in this offence may be detrimental to this investigation."

Mr. Rayney worked as a senior crown counsel in Bermuda's Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for just over a year from 2003 to 2004. His wife, a registrar in the West Australian Supreme Court with whom he has two young daughters, was here for part of his stay.

Her body was found in a grave in Perth's Kings Park on August 16, nine days after she went missing. Mr. Rayney told reporters in the city yesterday he "welcomed" the Police search.

"All I really want is to put out the same message that the police and Corryn's family have been for a long time, that is, if anyone has any information, could they please come forward, anything that might be helpful," he said.

Press reports down under say the couple were estranged but still lived together. Mr. Rayney, described as a top Perth lawyer, is said to have been minding the children while his wife was at the dance class.

Perth Police Commissioner Karl told a press conference that the killer was "probably some sort of person who's known to Mrs. Rayney, but that's all I am prepared to say at this time".