Milorad Zaric has been charged with murder after allegedly stabbing his neighbour Vicky Van Aken, nee Apostolopoulos, to death in front of her children in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs.
In an extreme act of bravery, it’s believed Vicky was fatally stabbed by Mr Zaric while shielding his fearful, injured teenage son from danger.
Victoria’s Senior Sergeant Chris Ellway said the exact circumstances of the incident on Saturday, November 16 were still being investigated, but it appeared Vicky was allegedly attacked after answering her door to Mr Zaric.
Three teenagers were at the home at the time: the woman’s two children and their friend, the 17-year-old son of the alleged killer.
The 17-year-old suffered minor lacerations during the incident. Ellway said the neighbours were known to each other but were not in a relationship, and Vicky’s death was not being treated as a family violence incident.
Mr Zaric was charged with murder, and fronted Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Sunday morning, appearing in the dock with a short grey beard and grey hair, and wearing a white jumpsuit.
The court was told Mr Zaric was withdrawing from drugs and alcohol, and needed to be seen by a custody nurse.
Detective Daniel Magee said investigators needed more time than usual to prepare the brief of evidence in the case, as they needed to work through material including drug analysis and police officers’ body-worn camera footage.
A magistrate denied the request and remanded Mr Zaric in custody to face court again on February 14.
Friends and family have expressed their shock at Vicky’s death, with many remembering her as a doting mum to her two sons.
“She was such a family person, just invested in her kids, her nephews, everyone around her. She was always present at everything,” one friend said.
Source: The Age.
