Man charged with murder of Wangaratta girl Zoe Buttigieg

SHOCKING details emerge over the death of little girl, found dead in her Wangaratta bedroom after a party at her home.

Party guest charged with rape, murder

A MILDURA man has been charged with the rape and murder of 11-year-old Zoe Buttigieg after a party at her mother’s home.

The 29-year-old, who has been under police guard in a psychiatric ward since Sunday, was charged with one count each of murder, sexual penetration of a child under 16 and indecent act of a child under 16.

He is likely to be remanded to face court on Thursday.

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

The night before, neighbours said a party had been held at the house, and police believe the man now charged with Zoe’s death was a guest.

He was later found wandering barefoot beside the Hume Highway at Glenrowan, about 16 kilometres away.

Neighbours heard loud wailing from the house about 11am on Sunday, when it is believed Zoe’s lifeless body was discovered.

“I heard a terrible, terrifying scream, like someone wailing,” Jenelle Robinson told the Border Mail.

Another neighbour said parties were regularly held at the house “probably every second weekend.”

Her family thanked the community for holding a candlelight vigil in memory of their the 11-year-old schoolgirl on Tuesday night.

Over 200 Wangaratta residents paid tribute to Zoe at a vigil.

Mourners at the vigil for Zoe Kiwanis Park. Picture: Mike Keating.

More than 200 residents gathered to honour Zoe’s memory at Kirwanis Park, close to her home.

In statement released to media by Victoria Police, the Buttigieg family said they wanted to thank police and paramedics who attended the scene of the murder.

“Their continuing support during this terrible time in our lives has just been extraordinary,” the family said.

“We are overwhelmed by the community support and would like to say a huge thank you to those who organised and attended the candlelight vigil at the park that Zoe always enjoyed playing at.

“We are so very touched and thankful for all the personal messages and tributes and for the concern which has been shown for the wellbeing of the family.

“Zoe’s mother would like to personally thank all who have stood by her.”