Woman killed in Rye ‘went down wrong side of tracks’, grieving grandpa says

A woman shot dead in a violent home invasion was “a lovely girl” that had fallen in with a bad crowd, before breaking into a Rye home with a gunman, who killed a sleeping resident.

A young woman who was one of two people shot dead during a violent home invasion in Rye has been remembered as a lovely girl who fell in with the wrong crowd.

The Herald Sun can reveal that Charlyze Hayter was gunned down when a fight broke out inside a Parson St home in Rye early on Monday morning.

The other person who died was 29-year-old tradie Jack Gilmour.

He lived at the property and was killed after Ms Hayter and another intruder broke in.

Charlyze Hayter was fatally shot during a violent home invasion in Rye. Picture: Instagram

Charlyze was much-loved by her family. Picture: Instagram

The Herald Sun has been told that when the break-in took place Ms Hayter beat Mr Gilmour with a baton and demanded he hand over his wallet and other personal items, while rummaging through drawers.

It is believed Mr Gilmour, who was equipped with a firearm in his bedroom, shot Ms Hayter.

The second intruder – who remained at large on Tuesday afternoon – is then believed to have shot Mr Gilmour before fleeing.

Paramedics treated both Mr Gilmour and Ms Hayter at the scene but they had already died.

Ms Hayter’s grandfather Bob said her death had rocked her entire family.

“I loved her very much,” he told the Herald Sun.

“This has upset the whole family.

”Charlie” fell in with the wrong crowd, her grandfather says. Picture: Supplied

“Charlie was a lovely girl, probably went down the wrong side of the tracks, but we were hoping for the best for her.

“He’s absolutely devastated. It’s very difficult to talk to him (Charlyze’s father) about it.

“She was a very bright girl at school we had high hopes for her.”

Jack Gilmour was shot dead in his Rye home. Picture: Facebook

Tributes for Ms Hayter poured in on Tuesday, with her friends left devastated.

”I’ve been sitting here struggling to find the right words but I don’t think I can put my feelings into words right now,” one friend said on social media.

“My heart is shattered, it doesn’t even feel real,” she said.

”I keep waiting for my phone to ring hoping it’s you calling me to tell me that you’re safe and sound.

Charlyze Hayter went into the property at 4am. Picture: Supplied

“I miss you so much, beautiful girl. I am beyond grateful to have had you in my life.”

”Heaven has gained another angel, may you rest in peace,” another friend said.

Mr Gilmour was a tradesman and had lived on the peninsula for over a decade.

A major manhunt has been underway for the gunman who survived.

“We are seeking to find out the identity of that man and locate him,” detective Superintendent Janet Stevenson said on Monday.

“We’re throwing all our resources at it at the moment. Although I can’t go into specifics, we are actively looking for that man.”

Police at the scene. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Homicide detectives arrive at the Parson Street home. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Police attend the scene of a double homicide in Parson Street, Rye. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

The first officers on the scene. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

When asked if there were any weapons found at the scene, Superintendent Stevenson said: “We are very concerned … we don’t know if there is a firearm still outstanding.”

A terrified guest who was also asleep inside the home at the time took refuge in a bathroom and called police.

Superintendent Stevenson said Mr Gilmour was known to police.

The scene through the front gate of the Parson Street home. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Superintendent Stevenson said that those involved knew one another and the attack was targeted.

“We don’t know what the dispute was about. We expect to find out what the motivation was as we investigate further,” she said.

Neighbours were shocked and scared after being woken by police knocking on their doors about dawn.

Dina Bodesworth, 69, said that she was told something “very bad” had happened in her street.

“I went to bed early. I didn’t hear anything in the early morning,” she said.

Danielle Rowe said her housemate left for work about the same time the violent altercation was thought to be taking place in the nearby house. “She leaves for work at 4am and rang me from the road to say something had happened in our street,” Ms Rowe said.

Ms Rowe moved into the street only a few months ago.

“I know everyone says this, but this is literally the quietest street,” she said.

Neighbours also said that they heard a car speeding out of Parson St as it turned left on to Fern Grove shortly after the incident.

Detectives remained at the house throughout Monday afternoon as forensic specialists photographed the front of the property.

Evidence markers lined the small residential street.

The house where the man and woman were shot is understood to be rented.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.