Las Vegas mass murderer's Australian partner 'a lovely woman', says step-daughter

The step-daughter of Marilou Danley, the partner of Las Vegas mass murderer Stephen Paddock, says she is a "lovely woman" and there is "no way" she would have been involved in the horrific shooting that has left 59 people confirmed dead and more than 500 injured.

Danley's step-daughter told 7 News she is "very kind, very family oriented", and that she was "shocked" to see her name on the news in connection with the devastating massacre.

Marilou Danley is an Australian citizen who lived on the Gold Coast for nine years before relocating to the US 20 years ago, where she reportedly works as a casino hostess.

Her step-daughter described Danley as a loving mother and grandmother who had stayed in contact despite divorcing her father.

She said Danley returned to Australia regularly to visit friends she had made whilst living in Nerang.

On Monday, a friend contacted her to say she had seen her step-mother on the news, leaving her in "complete disbelief".

It is believed she had started a relationship with Paddock several years ago and shared a residence in Mesquite, Nevada.

Neighbours have described Danley as "friendly" and Paddock as "reclusive".

Stephen Paddock's brother, Eric Paddock, told media outlets on Monday that Marilou Danley was a "nice lady".

"I've met her three or four times, we were worried he might have hurt her too," he said.

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Danley was quickly cleared of any involvement in the massacre but Las Vegas police believe she may be able to shed some light on what drove Stephen Paddock to commit mass murder.

She is currently believed to be in Japan but it is expected she will be taken in for questioning by authorities once she arrives back in the United States.