Man charged with murder of two sisters
Two sisters allegedly murdered by their father in an Easter Sunday tragedy will be forever missed, loved and never forgotten, their family says.
Four-year-old Savannah and Indiana, three, had been at a family gathering at their great grandmother's home, in Watsonia, when the incident occurred at around 2.40pm.
Sisters Savannah, four, and Indiana, three, died in an Easter Sunday tragedy at Watsonia. Photo: Supplied
Charles Mihayo, believed to be the girls' father, was arrested at the scene and charged with two counts of murder at an out-of-court sessions hearing overnight.
The 35-year-old, from Watsonia, was remanded in custody to appear at the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Tuesday.
Charles Mihayo, 35, has been charged with the murder of the two girls. Photo: 7News.
In a statement the girls' mother, who did not want to be named, said: "We are utterly devastated at the loss of Savannah and Indiana. The girls will be forever missed, loved and never forgotten.
"We ask that the media please respect our privacy and allow us time to grieve."
The girls' parents were married but had recently separated, according to reports.
Police have yet to reveal how the children died or give details of any injuries.
Neighbour Linda Bassiere told the Herald Sun that she heard a chilling scream just moments before police arrived at the Easter celebration at the house of the girls' great-grandmother.
Indiana and Savannah were killed at a relative's home in Watsonia on Easter Sunday.
7News understands the girls' great grandmother had been in the house along with their mother at the time the incident unfolded.
Homicide Squad officers returned to the scene this morning and continue to door knock nearby properties.
A woman places flowers at the scene of yesterday's double murder. Photo: AAP
Floral tributes were laid at the scene as mourning relatives also returned for the first time since the tragedy.
Assistant Commissioner Andrew Crisp said the tragedy had touched many, adding that police and other emergency personnel had been moved to tears.
"This is a tragic set of circumstances that has impacted on the family, and there were a number of family members here at the time," he said at the scene.
"It's naturally impacted on friends, neighbours and also on members of the fire brigade, the ambulance services and members of Victoria Police who have attended the scene today."
“I’ve heard here today a number of our police members have been in tears."
Police attend the scene of a double murder in Longmuir Road in Watsonia, Melbourne, Monday, April 21, 2014. Photo: AAP
Police were called to the Longmuir Road home about 2.40pm (AEST).
Ambulance Victoria said paramedics treated two people in a critical condition there for some time, but could not be save them.
A number of emergency services workers were reduced to tears by the horrific attack. Photo: 7News.
The shocking deaths have rocked the local community.
"It's very, very sad, especially in an area like this," one neighbour said.
"It's such a quiet street, a family orientated area and I just can't believe it has happened."
"Having children myself, I can't imagine something like that happening."
Victims Indiana and Savana. Photo: Supplied
Another neighbour said the incident was hard to comprehend.
"(I feel) sick to the stomach," he said.
"It's really hard to believe this could happen in a quiet little suburban street."
Police say a number of family members were at the home at the time the gruesome attack unfolded. Photo: ABC.
