Man charged with murder after woman’s body discovered in Gardenvale
The young nurse found dead in a Gardenvale apartment last night was only weeks clear of brain surgery to remove a tumor. Shocked neighbours say she was a “happy face” around the building.
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The body of a young woman murdered in her home was discovered shortly after her boyfriend spoke with PSOs at Flinders St Station, the Herald Sun can reveal.
Caitlin O’Brien has been remembered by neighbours as someone with a “happy face” and a sweet and friendly disposition.
The 31-year-old’s body was found by police just after 7pm on Tuesday at the Kooyong Rd home she shared with her partner, Shea Sturt, 32.
He has since been charged with the registered nurse’s murder.
Ms O’Brien was recovering after undergoing brain surgery to remove a tumour only weeks before her death, according to social media posts.
One post reads, “Goodbye little brain pea!” while a post-operation photo shows a major scar and staples across the top of her head.
Her Facebook page show a vibrant woman, passionate about her work and issues such as safety for emergency services workers and same-sex marriage.
She had studied nursing at Monash University before undertaking a postgraduate degree in advanced nursing at Griffith University in Queensland.
She described herself on Facebook as an “adventurer,” “dreamer,” and “ambitious” woman.
On Tuesday night, police stormed the usually-quiet apartment complex and attempted to gain entry to the upstairs unit, busting through the front door before finding Ms O’Brien’s body.
Neighbours said they were shocked that yet another woman had allegedly been murdered at the hands of a man.
Julie, who lives on the ground floor of the complex, said she was saddened by the news, having spoken to Ms O’Brien on many occasions.
“I feel very sad for the girl,” she said.
“She had a really happy face.”
Stephanie Hobbs said the couple had been living at the property for more than two years but had mostly kept to themselves.
Mrs Hobbs said she had spoken to Ms O’Brien in passing, occasionally bumping into each other while doing their laundry.
“I knew she was a nurse. I saw her in scrubs pretty much any time I did see her around,” Mrs Hobbs said.
“She was really sweet — she was always pretty smiley, which was quite the opposite of him. He was quite often really sullen.”
Mrs Hobbs said police had been called to the same address once or twice in the past six months.
“It’s just really awful that there’s another young woman deceased,” she said.
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Mr Sturt fronted the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court today and was remanded to reappear on October 16.
The court heard there was a history of domestic violence issues between the pair.