EXCLUSIVE

A young Melbourne mother who police believe was murdered by her partner before he killed himself has been remembered as ‘dearly loved’ and ‘completely devoted’ to her son.

New Zealand-born Rachel McKenna, 35, was found dead at an Ascot Vale address in Melbourne’s north-west about 4pm on Friday.

The estranged boyfriend of the mother-of-one, who has yet to be named, is believed to have fled the scene and drove along the Princes Freeway towards Little River.

Police found the man with ‘critical injuries’ on the side of Princes Freeway where he died around two hours after Ms McKenna’s body was discovered.

Homicide detectives have launched a probe into Ms McKenna’s death, with police still investigating the suspected murder scene over the weekend.

Ms McKenna’s body was discovered at a property on Ormond Rd with police having the major thoroughfare partially cordoned off on Saturday morning.

Ms McKenna’s sister Meg Trotter has now posted an emotional tribute on social media.

Rachel McKenna (pictured) was found dead at an Ascot Vale home in Melbourne’s northwest about 4pm on Friday afternoon

Police were still investigating the suspected Ascot Vale murder scene over the weekend

Ms McKenna (pictured) was a completely devoted mother to her son Leo

‘We are absolutely devastated to let everyone know that we lost Rachel on Friday the 31st,’ Ms Trotter wrote. ‘Our family is broken with grief.

‘Rachel was a deeply-loved daughter of Tony and Lee, big sister to Tom, Rory and Meg, a doting aunty, a dear friend to many, and a completely devoted mother to her seven year old, Leo.

‘She was generous, vibrant, loyal, and looked forward to many adventures with her precious son.

‘Our darling girl is already so missed, forever leaving a hole in our hearts and lives. Her death was an unnecessary tragedy, one we never dreamed would impact our family. 

‘Something must be done to stem violence against women in this country.’

Ms Trotter also asked friends and supporters to ‘keep our family in your prayers’.

Ms Trotter said she and her family are planning a farewell for Ms McKenna and ‘will post these details soon’.

Ms McKenna’s partner, who is yet to be identified, fled the scene and drove along the Princes Freeway towards Little River

New Zealand-born Rachel McKenna, 35, was found dead at an Ascot Vale address in Melbourne’s north-west about 4pm on Friday

Friends and family left tributes at the murder scene on Tuesday

A GoFundMe appeal to raise money for Ms McKenna’s young son was launched by the family on Tuesday afternoon

‘We love you forever, our beautiful Rach,’ she said.

Ms Trotter and her sister were seen enjoying happier times at the Taylor Swift Melbourne concert less than 12 months before her suspected brutal murder.

A GoFundMe appeal to raise money for Ms McKenna’s young son was launched by the family on Tuesday afternoon.

The family hopes to raise $10,000 to cover a memorial service and help support Leo’s future.

Ms McKenna grew up in Palmerston North in New Zealand but moved to Melbourne where she and other relatives lived.

It’s understood Ms McKenna and her suspected killer had been in a relationship until  recently. 

A Victoria Police spokesman confirmed the investigation was still ongoing. 

‘The exact circumstances surrounding the incidents continue to be investigated, however at this stage detectives are not looking for anyone else in relation to the matters,’ the spokesman said.

‘Police also believe the parties involved were known to each other.’

Anyone with further information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

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