'Innocent' woman's death in firebombing linked to Melbourne's tobacco war
Share and Follow

Detective Inspector Chris Murray today appealed for anyone with information to come forward, following the release of new CCTV footage, stating, “even the most hardened crook would be disgusted by what has occurred”.

Katie Tangey was housesitting for her brother when she was killed. (Nine)

“Essentially they have murdered an innocent girl,” he told reporters today.

The 27-year-old called emergency services to report she was trapped in the house.

She died at the scene, along with the family’s golden retriever.

Police believe the attack was targeted, but said the offenders had the wrong address.

“This was always our fear that somebody would die (due to) the tobacco wars unfortunately that has come to fruition,” Detective Inspector Chris Murray said.

“Katie Tangey, a daughter, a sister, a friend, a beloved member of her community, has needlessly lost her life in this senseless and despicable incident, which we are investigating as a deliberate act.

“This is a tragedy. To those responsible: we are committing every resource we have to finding you and holding you accountable for this homicide.

“She suffered such an awful fate, she didn’t deserve to die and our job is to bring her and her family peace and justice. We will get there.”

The mother of Katie Tangey, the 27-year-old woman killed when arsonists targeted a home in Melbourne, said her "heart will be forever broken".
Katie Tangey was killed when arsonists targeted a home in Melbourne. (Instagram)

Her mother Tracey Tangey described the 27-year-old as her “beautiful baby girl”.

“I am completely broken and don’t know how we are going to heal from this devastating news. If you could all remember our beautiful soul in your own way,” she wrote in a social media post.

“Rest my baby bub mum loves you more than you will ever know, you are and always will be my best friend and the love of my life. My heart will be forever broken.”

A ring camera at the Dover Street house also captures the moment the house is engulfed. (Victoria Police)

Detectives release fresh CCTV

Investigators have released fresh CCTV of a ring camera, showing the moment the home is engulfed in flames.

The footage shows two men, one carrying what appears to be a jerry can, flee the scene after the fire started.

CCTV of a dark-coloured car– similar to a BMW X3 – travelling north on Forsyth Road in Truganina about 2.12am has also been released.

Footage released last month also showed two people exit a dark-coloured car shortly after 2am.

Detective Inspector Murray said a significant investigation has taken place to determine the motivation for the attack and who was responsible.

Two men allegedly arrived at the home on Dover Street in Truganina about 2am and poured accelerant inside it before it went up in flames while the woman was inside.
Police have released CCTV showing the car near the home in an appeal to the public. (Victoria Police)
A woman has been killed in a suspicious house fire in Melbourne, which police say may have been a case of mistaken identity.
The house was destroyed. (Nine)

He said this has led to Taskforce Lunar uncovering information that linked the incident to the illicit tobacco dispute.

“The violence that we have seen from these organised crime syndicates and this relentless drive for profits above all else has resulted in this incident. It could be described as nothing less than a flagrant disregard for human life,” Murray said.

“However, we know this is solvable. We know this, because there are people out there who have information about who is responsible at all levels of this offence.

“We also know this is the type of crime even the most hardened criminal would be disgusted with – we implore them to come forward and tells us what they know via Crime Stoppers. As always, it can be done anonymously.”

Anyone with information or who recognises those or the vehicle involved is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Share and Follow
You May Also Like

Breaking the Billionaire Cycle: How a Wealth Tax Could Transform Economic Inequality

As the world’s billionaires grow richer by the day, a few dozen…
Sydney private school headmaster steps down after secret courtroom deal

Sydney School Headmaster Resigns Following Confidential Court Settlement

The headmaster of an elite boys’ school in Sydney, known for its…

Tragic High-Speed Train Derailment in Spain Claims 21 Lives: A Deep Dive Into the Catastrophe

A high-speed train derailed and smashed into another oncoming train in southern…
Suspected bull shark takes 15cm chunk out of boy's surfboard day after teen mauled

Teen Surfer’s Board Damaged by Possible Bull Shark Attack, a Day After Another Incident

A suspected bull shark has bitten an 11-year-old boy’s surfboard on Sydney‘s…

Tragic High-Speed Train Collision in Spain Claims 39 Lives, Leaves Dozens Injured

A high-speed train has derailed, jumped onto the track in the opposite…

5 Essential Steps to Consider Before Making a Career Change in 2023

As the new year settles in, it’s not unusual to take stock…

Tragic Queensland Accident Claims Lives of Three, Including Young Girl

A 12-year-old girl was among three people killed in a horror crash…
A man was rescued from the Pillars in Mount Martha yesterday.

Urgent Call for Caution Following Three Cliff Rescues in Victoria Over Three Days

Lifesavers have issued a renewed safety reminder after three people were seriously…