Man charged with shooting murder of domestic violence campaigner
A man has been charged with the shooting murder of domestic violence campaigner Karen Belej in regional Victoria on Sunday night.
Emergency services found the 31-year-old at a house in Cardross, near Mildura, with a gunshot to the head at around 7pm.
A 36-year-old man was arrested shortly afterwards and was charged with Ms Belej's murder on Tuesday.
Karen Belej. Photo: Supplied
The man faced an out-of-session court hearing in Mildura on Tuesday night.
Tributes for Ms Belej have been flowing on social media who worked for Mildura Rural City Council as an Acting Governance Team Leader.
Louisa Belej wrote on Facebook: "My beautiful family shattered it will never be the same .oh why did it happen."
The victim's family has released a photo of Ms Belej and requested privacy as they grieve, but said they may release a statement in the future.
A spokesman for White Ribbon posted on Facebook: "Karen Belej was a passionate and committed White Ribbon supporter.
"We are devastated to hear about her death. Our deepest sympathies to Karen’s family, friends, colleagues and the Mildura community."
Cr Mark Eckel Mildura Rural City Council added: "R.I.P. Karen Belej. Denise & I with heartfelt feelings are saddened with the loss of what should have been a long and continued meaningful life.
"Our extended family know and respect the grief the Belej family is experiencing at this time."
Ms Belej has been described as a 'Scentsy sister' on social media and the hashtag #warmersforkaren is being widely shared on Facebook in tributes.
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