Thousands expected at silent vigil for homeless woman found dead in Melbourne park
More than a thousand mourners are expected to gather in a Melbourne park where a young homeless woman was found dead.
Friday night's silent vigil has been organised for 25-year-old Courtney Herron whose beaten body was found last weekend in Royal Park in suburban Parkville.
"Once again we must mourn the loss of an innocent woman in a place known to so many of us," vigil organisers said.
"We cannot simply allow her death to go unnoticed and unmarked."
The hour-long vigil will be held at the same location where dog walkers found Ms Herron's body on Saturday morning.
The death sparked widespread calls for action to improve public safety for women.
"The safety of women is something that must concern us all," Federal Minister for Women Marise Payne said, noting Ms Herron's death.
John Herron said his daughter's death was "an unimaginable tragedy for our family" and asked to be left alone to grieve in private.
Ms Herron is the fourth young woman to be killed in a public Melbourne place in the past 12 months, including the June rape and murder of aspiring comedian Eurydice Dixon, 22, in a neighbouring suburb.
Homeless man Henry Richard Hammond, 27, has been charged with Ms Herron's murder.
He has faced court and remains in custody.
An online fundraising appeal set up by the Melbourne Homeless Collective to help pay for her funeral has raised $13,000.
If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, find help by visiting White Ribbon or calling 1800 RESPECT.
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