Victoria Police Detective Inspector Chris Murray, OIC, of the Arson & Explosives Squad held a press conference at the Victoria Police Media Centre this morning.
“Two offenders attended the rear of that premises and subsequently tipped a large amount of accelerant in and what we have as a result of that is one of the most tragic cases I’ve seen in my 38 years.
“We’ve got a female Katie Tangey, 27 years of age, she was home alone, she was house-sitting unaware of what was about to unfold. She just had time to call triple zero [000] and unfortunately died at the scene as a result of the fire.
“As I said in my time I’d struggle to see a more horrific and tragic case.
“My job here today though … the public have been wonderful in terms of the assistance they have given, but I’m actually here to appeal for those that may know these two faceless, gutless individuals who committed this act.
“We want some names to those faces.
“What we do know is this:
“People will talk. These two individuals will have family, they’ll have friends, they’ll have criminal associates.
“What I’d say to those people is have a conscious. We would say do the right thing.
“Now, they can call Crime Stoppers anonymously and give us information and let us do the rest. We just need a name to those faces.
“We’re releasing the footage today which will assist in triggering some people, especially those that know these individuals.
“We’ve also released footage of a car very similar to a BMW X3 that was seen at and leaving the premises shortly after 2am.
“We know this. At this stage of the investigation, we know it is linked to the illegal tobacco trade. That is one thing I can say with a high degree of certainty.
“We know, importantly, this premises was targeted but it’s the wrong address.
“Katie Tangey had nothing to do with the illegal tobacco trade nor did her friend, nor did her family.
“So, I just want make that crystal clear. We’re absolutely convinced of that. They’ve got the wrong address.
“This was always our fear. That someone would die as a result of the tobacco wars and it has come to fruition.
“We need the public’s help, but more importantly, we need the help of those who know something about has happened.
“We know they will know. That’s a given. History tells us that,” Detective Inspector Chris Murray said.
Detective Inspector Chris Murray now takes questions from the media.
