The house fire which killed a “completely innocent” woman in a case of mistaken identity has been linked to Melbourne’s tobacco wars.
Katie Tangey, 27, died after arsonists hit the wrong address while she was house-sitting her brother’s home in Truganina, in the city’s west, in the early hours of January 16.
Arson and Explosives Squad Detective Inspector Chris Murray said the crime syndicate’s efforts are “relentless” and vowed to get justice for Tangey and her family.
Tangey was house-sitting for her brother at the time of the fire. (Source: Facebook)
“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,” he said on Tuesday.
“This is a tragedy. To those responsible: we are committing every resource we have to finding you and holding you accountable for this homicide.
“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.
“This is the type of crime even the most hardened criminal would be disgusted with.”
The Hoppers Crossing woman, a popular burlesque performer, called emergency services for help but did not survive the blaze.
She, along with the family’s golden retriever, died at the scene and the three-storey townhouse was completely destroyed.
Tangey was known in the burlesque community as Vivien May-Royale. (Source: Facebook)
Investigations over the past month have led police to believe the arson attack was likely linked to Victoria’s illicit tobacco trade wars.
A dark coloured vehicle – similar to a BMW X3 – was captured on CCTV travelling north on Forsyth Road in Truganina at approximately 2.12am.
A ring camera at the house captured the moment the house was engulfed, before two men, one carrying what appears to be a jerry can, fled the scene.
At the time of the arson, Tangey’s mother Tracey said the blaze devastated the family, including her son and his wife who were on their honeymoon when tragedy struck.
“My son and daughter in-law have lost everything they own, their sister, their dog Sunny … we will never be the same again,” she wrote on Instagram.
“l need to wrap my love around them … thank you all, she would have been so humbled by all your love.”
Lead image: 9News / Facebook
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