Karen Ristevski’s still alive, claims brother-in-law
EXCLUSIVE: MISSING Melbourne woman Karen Ristevski was not murdered by her husband and is in hiding overseas, her brother-in-law has claimed.
Law & Order
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MISSING Melbourne woman Karen Ristevski was not murdered by her husband and is in hiding overseas, her brother-in-law has claimed.
Vasko Ristevski, 56, believes the missing mother is still alive and most likely living in China or the US, having fled overseas on a false passport.
Mrs Ristevski, 47, was last seen leaving her Avondale Heights home on June 29 to clear her head after a row with husband Borce, 52, over money.
Speaking from his Hoppers Crossing home, Vasko Ristevski said his brother did not have it in him to murder his wife.
“A lot of husbands do that (murder) for some reason, but no way is Borce capable of that,” he said.
Mr Ristevski said family tensions between Mrs Ristevski and her stepson, Anthony Rickard, may have taken a toll on her marriage, leading her to plan her disappearance once her daughter Sarah turned 21.
“I reckon she’s run away. That’s my feeling, what with all the rumours going on about Anthony (Rickard),” he said.
“She’s been going overseas to America and Hong Kong each month for the past 10 years on business, and I’m told it’s fairly easy to get a false passport.
“I did put the rumours (about Rickard) to Borce, but he said Karen’s not here to answer them.
“I don’t think she will come back, I reckon she’s gone for good.”
He said Mrs Ristevski’s disappearance had been taking its toll on his younger brother.
“My wife was there on Saturday and when she came home she said: ‘You should see your brother, he’s got red eyes’, so he must be crying a lot,” he said.
“The last time I saw him (Borce) was at the press conference, because he has told me to stay away from his house because the media are outside.”
Vasko Ristevski appealed to Mrs Ristevski to let her family know she was safe and well.
“If she (Karen) doesn’t want to talk to her husband or the media, just let a relative know where you are if you don’t want to come home,” he said.
Mrs Ristevski has not used her phone or bank accounts since June 29, leading to concerns over her welfare.
Victoria Police spokeswoman Amara Bostock declined to comment on Vasko Ristevski’s claims.
“The investigation remains with the missing persons squad and that investigation remains ongoing. There are no updates,” she said.
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