A house fire which killed a “completely innocent” woman is a case of mistaken identity linked to Melbourne’s tobacco wars, police say.
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 16 January.
Det Insp Chris Murray, from the arson and explosives squad, said the crime syndicate’s efforts were “relentless” and vowed to get justice for Ms Tangey and her family.
“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 and the family’s golden retriever died at the scene, and the three-storey townhouse was completely destroyed.
Investigations over the past month have led police to believe the arson attack was likely linked to Victoria’s illicit tobacco trade wars.
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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 security camera at the house captured the moment the building 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.
“I need to wrap my love around them … thank you all, she would have been so humbled by all your love.”
