Mother of slain Melbourne teen tells of heartbreak
The mother of murdered Melbourne schoolgirl Masa Vukotic says the loss of her beloved daughter has left a heartache that will never heal.
Masa Vukotic, 17, was stabbed to death in what police believe was a random slaying as she walked through Koonung Creek Linear Reserve in Stanton Street near her home in Doncaster last Tuesday night.
Speaking publicly for the first time since her daughter's cruel and senseless death, Natasha Vukotic said memories of her 'funny, intelligent and kind-hearted' girl would never cease.
"The loss of Masa has left a heartache that will never heal, but her love has left us with memories that no one can take from us," she told News Corp.
"Masa has touched so many lives. She was a funny, intelligent and kind-hearted girl.
"But more than anything else, she was my loving daughter, a caring sister and a wonderful friend.
"She was our everything."
The teenager's funeral will be held at the Springvale Botanical Cemetery's Boyd Chapel at 9.15am on Thursday morning.
The service is open to the public and a large number of mourners are expected to attend.
The scene of Masa's murder has been transformed into a blanket of floral tributes and messages of condolence.
Ms Vukotic said the family had been touched by the outpouring of love and support from family, friends and strangers.
"We are so overwhelmed with the love that we have received from our friends and the public," she said.
"We will be forever grateful. It has been extremely difficult for us all, and we thank everyone for respecting our privacy and giving us space to mourn our beloved Masa."
Sean Christian Price, 31, briefly appeared in Melbourne Magistrates Court on Friday charged with Masa's murder.
Price, from Albion, handed himself into police on Thursday after allegedly committing a string of other crimes, including the rape of a woman at Sunshine that morning.
He was remanded in custody until June 26.
[region=au]News break – March 25
