Katie Tangey had been house sitting for her brother and his wife, who were away on their honeymoon, when the home she was in was firebombed in the early hours of the morning
A burlesque dancer who was trapped in a burning home begged for help before she died in a bungled hit job.
Katie Tangey, also know by her stage name Vivien May-Royale, died in a targeted house blaze in Truganina, in Melbourne, Australia, in the early morning of January 16. She alerted emergency services at about 2am and told the operator she could not get out of the house.
She desperately tried to get out through a window on the top floor but ended up getting trapped before burning to death. Victoria Police today offered $500,000 AUD (£242,665) as a reward. The two men suspected of starting the fire remain on the run, although authorities believe gang lord Kaz Hamad is linked to the targeted hit.
Ms Tangey had been house sitting with her brother’s golden retriever, Sunny, who also died in the blaze at the three-storey townhouse. Her brother Ethan and his wife Brooke were on their honeymoon when the fire happened.
“I’m six months into the investigation now and what I can say is this – yes, he’s involved,” homicide squad detective inspector Chris Murray said on Monday. “From the information we have, the illegal tobacco trade is front and centre as to why this incident occurred.
“We know there was a theft of (Hamad’s) commodities, being illegal tobacco and we know that he sought retribution. Unfortunately… the two buffoons who committed this act targeted the wrong address.”
The inspector said he did not suggest Hamad deliberately target Ms Tangey but alleged he requested the job be done, MailOnline reported. Inspector Murray said: “We know he’s overseas. We’re all ears,’ he said. ‘In fairness, I’d say even he would be disgusted as to what’s transpired here.
“If he’s got any sense of decency, I’m sure he can get us on the phone and let us know the two individuals who actually did this. They should be held accountable. They should be held responsible and brought to justice so we can give some closure to Katie’s family.”
Detectives have not revealed who they believe the real target of the firebombing was meant to be. Inspector Murray added: “We’re very confident that we know the motive.”
He went on to describe Ms Tangey’s horrific final moments, adding she was “completely innocent” and was asleep when the attack happened. “One can only imagine how scared she must have been,” he said.
Police have since revealed an anonymous call was made to Crime Stoppers in which police were given a nickname linked to the attack. Officers are now asking that person to contact them again in a bid they can get more information.
Detectives previously shared an image of a man, described as slim, Middle Eastern and aged between 25 and 30, who they wish to speak to. Last month, officers raided a home in Dandenong, a Melbourne suburb, where they found a phone connected to the crime.
CCTV recorded the moment in which the suspects fled the scene and travelled along Forsyth Road at about 2:12am. Any information can be given to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.