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Brian and Carmel Russell’s Frankston home to be listed by Ash Marton Realty for $750,000

The countdown is on as Brian and Carmel Russell’s Frankston home goes on the market early next week. But the parents of murdered teen Natalie hope the buyer will continue to let them live there.

Brian and Carmel Russell in their backyard with the Christmas tree planted in memory of their murdered daughter, Natalie. Picture: Wayne Taylor
Brian and Carmel Russell in their backyard with the Christmas tree planted in memory of their murdered daughter, Natalie. Picture: Wayne Taylor

Support continues to pour in for Brian and Carmel Russell, whose daughter Natalie was murdered by serial killer Paul Denyer, as their long-time home goes on the market — but more help is needed.

The Frankston Standard Leader recently reported the Russells, whose daughter was murdered by serial killer Paul Denyer, faced leaving their home of 26 years.

A gofundme appeal has raised $34,310 and the couple is looking at Frankston rental options, but hopes an investor will buy the home and let them stay in it.

Frankston firm Ash Marton Realty will list the property for sale next Monday for $750,000.

Ash Marton called on the community to help the Russells prepare the house for sale.

Mr Marton said help was needed with plastering, painting and general repairs.

“The countdown is on to our launch, which will be Monday (June 24). I am hoping I can count on our community to help in a few areas,” Mr Marton said.

“We need hands on deck throughout the week to paint a few things externally, clean up the gardens, cut down some branches — a bunch of odd jobs.

“Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.”

Update: 🏡 We have formally listed for sale the home of the Russell family and it is launching to the market on Monday...

Posted by Ash Marton Realty on Saturday, 15 June 2019

The Russells said love and support from the Frankston community had sustained them through dark times.

After battling cancer, Mr Russell lost his business and was about to lose the family home — where Natalie’s possessions are kept and a Christmas tree planted in her memory thrives.

A family member then stepped in and bought the home so the Russells could stay there.

But that person is facing serious health issues and needs to sell the house.

Mr Marton stressed that the owners were going all out to help the Russells.

“The owner is donating his time to assist. They are also assisting with an outcome that would enable them to remain in the home,” he said.

Natalie Russell, then 17, was the third victim of Denyer, who terrorised Frankston in 1993.

Elizabeth Stevens was murdered on her way home from the library on June 11.

A month later, Debbie Fream, who’d left her 12-day-old baby with a friend while she dashed out for milk, was abducted and killed.

Three weeks later, Year 12 student, Natalie, was brutally murdered on her way home from school.

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Denyer was initially sentenced to life without parole but this was reduced to 30 years with the possibility of release on appeal, making him eligible for release in 2023, when he will be 51.

Mr Marton urged anyone who can help prepare the house for sale to text him on 0437 754 372 and state how they could assist.

For details about the house sale, click here or phone 9770 2828.

chris.tatman@news.com.au

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Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/south-east/brian-and-carmel-russells-frankston-home-to-be-listed-by-ash-martin-realty-for-750000/news-story/8f890df05cce78715379ffde722a5f4d