Police search home for girl's remains metres from where she grew up
A man accused of murdering a Sydney schoolgirl more than 18 years ago remains behind bars, a day after he claimed his brother and partner had been killed for "what I've done" in a strange court appearance.
Vinzent Tarantino, 49, was on Sunday charged with murdering Quanne Diec in a bungled ransom attempt, who has not been seen since she left her home in Granville on the morning of Monday, July 27, 1998.
Court documents allege Tarantino, who has previously gone by the name Victor Gerada, "did entice away and detain Quanne Diec, with intent to hold her for ransom, and caused her a substantial injury".
At some point in the 13 hours that followed her abduction, it's alleged Tarantino killed the girl.
Police on Monday searched a single-storey weatherboard house a few streets away from the Diec home as part of their bid to "bring Quanne home to her mum and dad and put her to rest".
Investigators in blue forensic jumpsuits spent several hours at a property on Second Street in Granville which is believed to be where a young Tarantino grew up, 700m from Quanne’s family home.
Five blocks away from the crime scene, several bouquets of flowers were placed in front of the Diec home.
The breakthrough came when the former bouncer went to Sydney’s Surry Hills police station on Sunday and allegedly confessed to the little girl’s murder.
Police allege Tarantino made admissions in relation to the girl’s death.
He had been the main person of interest since Quanne’s disappearance during her walk to school.
The Daily Telegraph reports police will allege Tarantino told detectives information about Quanne’s disappearance that only a murderer would know.
Quanne’s parents Ann and Sam Diec never gave up hope in finding their daughter, refusing to move from their family home in case their daughter one day walked through the front door.
They have spent thousands over the years travelling Australia to check on reported sightings of their lost daughter.
Police allege Quanne was snatched on her walk to school about 7.45am.
She was meant to catch a train to Strathfield Girls High School from Clyde station but vanished.
Court documents revealed Tarantino enticed Quanne with intent to hold her for ransom and “caused her a substantial injury”.
Tarantino did not apply for bail.
Overnight the search continued for Quanne’s body as police made it a top priority to bring her home to her family.
A $200,000 reward had been offered for information, which leads to finding Quanne, who would now be 30.
