Sydenham murder victim Vicki Ramadan brutally beaten by killer who remains on the run
A defenceless elderly woman was brutally killed in her Sydenham home in Melbourne’s northwest. Now police are calling for help to put together her crucial last moments, as they hunt for her killer.
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An elderly woman who was “savagely beaten” and killed in her own home in Melbourne’s northwest was seen five days earlier walking toward a major highway.
Vicki Ramadan, 77, was found dead by a neighbour in her Marlborough Way, Sydenham, home about 9.45am on April 6.
COULD SQUATTERS’ DEN BE LINKED TO WOMAN’S DEATH?
She was last seen walking on Gourlay Rd, Hillside toward the Melton Highway about 9.45am on April 1.
Homicide Squad Detective Inspector Andrew Stamper said it was crucial they pieced together her final movements.
“It would be too far for Vicki to walk from Gourlay Rd to her home, so we have to ask how did she get home?” he said.
An autopsy revealed Ms Ramadan died of blunt force trauma, possibly involving a weapon.
Insp Stamper described her murder as “absolutely brutal”.
“This was an absolutely brutal murder of an innocent 77-year-old woman in her own home,” he said.
“She was a defenceless member of the community.
“There are many questions still to be answered with this investigation, including a possible motive, so it’s crucial we hear from the public.
“We’d like to provide the family with answers and find the person who has brutally taken Vicki’s life,” he said.
Ms Ramadan lived alone opposite an abandoned home used by squatters, and had reported multiple break-ins.
She told neighbours she woke to find intruders in her home, and had fled to Queensland after receiving a death threat from a squatter.
Insp Stamper said these incidents formed “a strong line of inquiry” into her death, and urged anyone with information about the squatter home to contact police.
“This is a major part of the investigation,” he said.
Ms Ramadan was often seen walking or using buses or taxis to visit locations such as the Watergardens shopping centre.
Insp Stamper said the roads were busy when Ms Ramadan was spotted on April 1, and urged drivers to check their dashcam footage.
“What we are also interested in is if anyone can provide details of any suspicious activity in and or around Vicki’s Marlborough Way home and if anyone has seen Vicki since this last sighting until when her body was found nearly a week later.”
Insp Stamper said the community had no reason to fear for their safety.
Anyone with any information is urged to phone Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.