Police to quiz man over Zoe Buttigieg’s death in Wangaratta home

A MAN found wandering along a highway who has been linked to the suspicious death of a Wangaratta schoolgirl is likely to be questioned shortly by homicide detectives.

Zoe, 11 years old. Possibly the Wangaratta murder victim. Possibly named Zoe Saunders (although she may have her dad's surname, so not sure of full name). Mum is Janelle Saunders.

• ‘Little angel’ mourned as cops wait on suspect

A MAN found wandering along a highway who has been linked to the suspicious death of a Wangaratta schoolgirl is likely to be questioned shortly by homicide detectives.

The 29-year-old Mildura man, who has been an involuntary patient at Wangaratta hospital’s psychiatric ward since Sunday, will have to be deemed mentally fit to be quizzed by detectives before he can be taken into police custody.

Zoe Buttigieg, 11, was found deceased in a bedroom by her mother, Janelle Saunders, at their Inchbold St home on Sunday morning.

More than 200 residents gathered to light candles in her memory at Kirwanis Park, close to her home, on Tuesday night.

Among the crowd were Zoe’s school friends and neighbours.

After lighting candles the crowd stood in silence to remember the “little angel”

Crowds gather for the vigil for Zoe in Wangaratta. Picture: Mike Keating.

Organiser Lauren Bittner said the death had deeply impacted the community.

“We are also here to condemn the violence that ended Zoe’s life.

“It is not welcome here.”

Zoe with her beloved dog Jax.

The 29-year-old man was picked up by police after being spotted behaving erratically while walking along the Hume Fwy barefoot in just a singlet and cargo shorts hours before Zoe was discovered at 11am.

The man, who had been at a party at Zoe’s home on Saturday night, is the only person of interest in the case.

The homicide squad remain tight-lipped about the circumstances of Zoe’s suspected murder and are not appealing for witnesses.

It is understood that Zoe had been living with her mother and her mother’s long-term boyfriend and that her biological father died suddenly a number of years ago.

Police have taken statements from witnesses, including family, and received information through CrimeStoppers.

Flowers and tributes continue to mount at the front fence of the Wangaratta home where the incident took place.

Police have finished combing the family home for clues.

Residents remain in shock and are grieving for the little girl who was always on the street playing with her pet dog Jax.