The Victorian Coroner’s Court will reopen its investigation into the 2011 death of Louisa Ioannidis, after new evidence raised doubts about whether the 24-year-old drowned or was the victim of foul play.
Ioannidis was found dead in Darebin Creek, about 450 metres from her Reservoir home, wearing a pink dressing gown and jeans. Her death was originally ruled “consistent with drowning,” with no inquest held at the time.
Deputy State Coroner Paresa Antoniadis Spanos confirmed the review following new expert reports suggesting the initial investigation may have overlooked signs of possible strangulation and domestic violence.
Ioannidis had been living with her partner Youseff Asaad, described in court documents as the last person to see her alive amid a “volatile” relationship involving arguments and abuse.
Her brother, Tass Stouraitis, has long campaigned for the case to be reopened, gathering more than 25,000 petition signatures and citing fresh evidence, including lower water levels at the time and new autopsy reviews.
In a parliamentary statement, MP David Limbrick praised Stouraitis’ persistence, saying he “has never given up on his sister and will never let her be forgotten.”
A new hearing will be held in the Coroner’s Court of Victoria at a later date. No charges have been laid in relation to Ioannidis’ death.
