'Innocent' woman's death in firebombing linked to Melbourne's tobacco war
A Melbourne woman, who died after becoming trapped inside a townhouse targeted in a firebombing attack, has been confirmed as the first "innocent" victim of the ongoing war over the city's illicit tobacco market.
Katie Tangey was housesitting for her brother while he was on honeymoon when flames took hold of the three-storey building on Dover Street in Truganina about 2am on January 16.
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".
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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."
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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."
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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.
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Police have released CCTV showing the car near the home in an appeal to the public. Victoria Police
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
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