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Husband heard attack on wife during phone call before she was murdered

The husband of a murdered Melbourne mother heard the attack in a phone call, it has been reported.

Prasad Somawansa, 48, died in her Hoppers Crossing home on Thursday.

Photo: Supplied.
Photo: Supplied.

Sigaragh Baea, 21, from Lara, near Geelong was charged with the 48-year-old's murder on Saturday night and made a brief hearing in the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Sunday morning.

Baea was reportedly an old schoolfriend of Mrs Somawansa's son Wishhasad.

Her husband Priyantha Somawansa phoned her about 8pm on Thursday night and heard his wife being attacked, The Herald Sun newspaper reported on Sunday night.

Mr Somawansa was working in Brisbane as a truck driver when he heard the distressing noises during the phone call to his wife.

It was reported he tried to phone his wife back and also tried his son, but Wishhasad's phone had run out of battery.

Mr Baea was charged with murder on Saturday.
Mr Baea was charged with murder on Saturday.

Wishhasad Somawansa told 7 News of the devastation he felt after his mother’s death.

He had left the family home a short time before his mother's death to attend a job with the local SES as a volunteer.

He said she had battled breast cancer and was a loving mother who was a beautiful cook.

“I could smell the food as I was getting out of the car and would rush to get home… and now she’s gone,” he said.

Wishhasad Somawansa has been left devastated by his mother's death. Photo: 7 News.
Wishhasad Somawansa has been left devastated by his mother's death. Photo: 7 News.

“Everywhere I went I wanted to come home to mum," he said.

“It felt like everything was coming together and it’s all gone."

Wishhasad said Mr Baea was his best mate in primary school but he had not seen him for 10 years until crossing paths late last year.

He said he invited him to dinner at the family's home last month.

Baea, who has no prior convictions, was remanded in custody and will return to court on Tuesday.

Photo: 7 News.
Photo: 7 News.