Thousands join vigil for Sunshine murder victim
Thousands of people have braved the cold and wet conditions to pay tribute to a mother-of-four who was allegedly murdered by her de facto partner at a Melbourne shopping strip a week ago.
Family, friends and complete strangers are rallying in memory of Fiona Warzywoda who was stabbed to death in front of lunchtime shoppers in a Sunshine street last Wednesday, allegedly by her former partner Craig McDermott.
Her family spoke publicly for the first time today thanking the community for their support.
Simone Warzywoda says the family has been touched by the community's kind words, donations, flowers and prayers in the wake of her stepdaughter's death.
Surrounded by Fiona's two sisters Karen Kelcey and Jazmyn Warzywoda, Ms Warzywoda said the tragedy had touched many and the family asked for privacy during what was an emotional time.
"On behalf of the family I express my deepest gratitude for the support, kind words, donations and flowers and prayers," she told reporters at Sunshine on Tuesday.
"We understand it has affected the community as a whole and this tragedy has touched many of us."
Ms Warzywoda said the system had let down her stepdaughter.
"As it has been time and again with domestic violence, the justice system continues to fail women and children," she said.
The family is working to set up a fund to receive donations.
The rally at the corner of Devonshire and Hampshire Roads also aims to highlight the issue of domestic violence and the safety of women across Victoria.
Fiona Warzywoda's de facto partner of 18 years, 38-year-old Sunshine North man Craig McDermott, has been charged with her murder.
The murder allegedly occurred after they were in court over a family violence order, the Melbourne Magistrates Court heard on Thursday.
