Beloved greyhound trainer death probed by homicide detectives
A family dispute is among the possible motives police are probing after the violent murder of respected greyhound trainer Karen Leek at her Devon Meadows home. Police have not revealed how she died as the hunt for her killer continues.
VIC News
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Detectives have interviewed several people over the murder of renowned greyhound trainer Karen Leek but are yet to arrest her killer.
Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton on Thursday revealed the 69-year-old was killed in a “terrible and very violent crime”.
Police divers searched a large dam on her property today but investigators have kept close to their chest exactly how she died as the hunt for her killer continued on Thursday night.
Police are probing whether a family dispute was behind the violent murder of the much-loved greyhound racing trainer at her home in Melbourne’s southeast.
Ms Leek was found dead in a “bloody” crime scene on her Cross Rd property about 10am on Tuesday.
Ms Leek was caring for the five-year-old daughter of her great-niece at the time of her death. The Herald Sun can reveal arrangements were due to be made yesterday over the little girl’s future.
The girl and her mother had moved into the large property a few years ago, with Ms Leek taking them under her wing.
“Karen was very attached to having the little girl around,” close friend Linda Britton told the Herald Sun.
“The girl was a little delight. They lived in the house with her.
“In the early days, Karen said it was good. She’s too lovely a lady for this to happen to. It’s so unfair, she was always helping people.”
Ms Leek was looking after the girl at the time of her death. It is understood the child has been spoken to by police.
It was said to have been a “stressful” time for Ms Leek.
Another close friend told the Herald Sun she last saw Karen about 5pm on Monday, about 17 hours before she was found dead.
“I might have been the last person she spoke to and saw,” the friend, who did not want to be named, said.
“When she (the great-niece) first came here … Karen gave her a place to live. Everything was fine.
“But then she met a guy, that’s how it all started.”
Although not a mother herself, Ms Leek devoted herself to the girl and picked her up daily from childcare in Cranbourne.
The distressed girl’s grandmother, who is estranged from her daughter, turned up to the scene yesterday.
Dressed in ugg boots, she was crying and shaking while squatting and covering her face.
“It doesn’t even feel real,” the woman said.
“I just wish they’d tell me something.”
She was granted access to the property and left with a bag of personal belongings.
Yesterday the entrance to Ms Leek’s property remained cordoned off while members of the homicide squad investigated the murder.
Forensics officers combed the area for clues and cleaners also attended the crime scene.
The police air wing was used to take aerial photos of the property.
To gain access to Ms Leek’s property, a pin code is required at the gate.
Grieving neighbours laid floral tributes outside her home while friends and colleagues passed by to pay their respects.
Former president of the Victorian Greyhound Owners, Trainers and Breeders Association Geoff Collins said her murder was “very sad” and would send a ripple effect though the greyhound community.
“The circumstances of her death are pretty sad,” Mr Collins said.
“To die tragically like this is horrible. She was an outstanding person.”
Police are appealing for information.
“Investigators are appealing for anyone who may have seen any activity at the property over the past few days to come forward,” a Victoria Police spokeswoman said.
“They would also like to hear from anyone who drove past the address or through the area and has dashcam footage.”
Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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