Two young sisters are dead and a man known to them is in custody in an Easter Sunday tragedy in Melbourne.
A MAN believed to be the father of two young girls who were killed at a property in northeast Melbourne yesterday has been charged with murder, as relatives return to the scene.
The Herald Sun understands police will allege the girls, who neighbours said were as young as three and four, were stabbed by Charles Mihayo inside a granny flat in the backyard of their grandmother’s house on Longmuir Rd, Watsonia, during a family Easter gathering.
Mr Mihayo, 35, of Watsonia was arrested at the scene, and charged with two counts of murder during an out-of-court sessions hearing just before 1am.
It remains unclear whether police have found the weapon allegedly used but forensic investigators have not been on scene since 3am, and the clean-up is due to begin.
Family photos of Indiana and Savana, who were killed at Watsonia.
Two female deceased-estate cleaners, wearing white coveralls, entered the back unit of the property this morning.
They followed relatives who returned to the scene with their heads down at 9.30am.
The family has so far declined to comment.
A relative leaves the property this morning. Picture: Andrew Brownbill
Homicide squad detectives are at the property, and police continue to doorknock neighbours.
DEATH OF SISTERS LEAVES A STREET TORN APART
Neighbours this morning said the little girls were “gorgeous, with coffee-coloured curls”.
Charles Mihayo has been charged with two counts of murder. Picture: Andrew Henshaw
Neighbour Linda Bassiere yesterday told the Herald Sun she heard a chilling scream just minutes before police arrived at 3pm.
Paramedics tried in vain for more than 40 minutes to revive the sisters but despite their best efforts they died at the scene.
Hardened police officers and other emergency services workers were moved to tears by the tragedy.
Police continue to doorknock neighbours this morning. Picture: Andrew Brownbill
Victoria Police Assistant Commissioner Andrew Crisp said there were several family members inside the home at the time of the deaths.
“This is a tragic set of circumstances that has impacted on the family,” he said.
“There were a number of family members there at the time.
Police outside the Watsonia home where two sisters died. Picture: Sarah Matray
“It’s naturally also impacted on friends, neighbours and the members of the fire brigade, emergency services and Victoria Police who attended the scene.
“I’ve heard here today a number of our police members have been in tears.
“There are some very upset people at the moment.”
Local resident Helen Temple leaves flowers outside the house. Picture: Andrew Brownbill
Mr Crisp would not go into any details about how the girls died or if a weapon was used.
“The important thing at this stage is we have two young girls under the age of 10 who are deceased,” he said.
Mr Crisp said a Triple 0 call was made at 2.40pm, but he wouldn’t say if it was a family member or neighbour who made the call.
He would not confirm if the girls’ mother was there.
“I can’t get into details at the moment,” he said.
“It’s very early days in the investigation.”
The horrific deaths have shocked neighbours on the quiet street.
Several residents told the Herald Sun the property under police cordon was owned by the victims’ grandmother.
Neighbour Ms Bassiere said the girls were often dropped off by their father.
“The children came and visited her (their grandmother) regularly, usually dropped off by their father,’’ Ms Bassiere said.
“We heard a lady screaming, it is a bit confronting.’’
Local resident Helen Temple visited the street to lay a flower at the front of the house.
“It’s so awful. How can someone do this?” said Mrs Temple, who has a three-year-old daughter.
Mr Mihayo was remanded in custody to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court tomorrow.
Treasured family photos of the girls, Indiana and Savana. Source: Supplied
rebekah.cavanagh@news.com.au
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