Body of elderly woman found in her Sydenham home in suspicious circumstances

Shocked residents in Melbourne’s northwest have been urged to scour their gardens for clues to a “lovely” elderly woman’s suspected slaying, as police probe possible links to a filthy squatters’ den.

Police at the Sydenham home where Ms Ramadan’s body was found. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

Police are urging shocked residents in Melbourne’s northwest to scour their gardens for clues to a “lovely” elderly woman’s suspected slaying, as they probe possible links to a filthy squatters’ den.

Neighbours of Vicki Ramadan, 77, said she had received death threats from squatters who had taken over an abandoned home near where she lived by herself in Marlborough Way, Sydenham.

A handyman discovered Ms Ramadan’s body in her unlocked home about 9.45am on Saturday.

MORE NEWS: MILITANT VEGANS BLAMED FOR CAFE CLOSURE

SHOCKING MOMENT DRUG WORKER SHOOTS UP IN DRIVEWAY

Detective Sergeant Graham Ross said she had suffered “some injuries” and a post-mortem examination to determine a cause of death was under way on Sunday night.

“There is an address nearby that is frequented by squatters. That’s part of our line of inquiry and we’ll be looking at that address closely and see if that is connected to this investigation,” Det. Sgt Ross said.

Vicki Ramadan. Picture: Victoria Police

A passer-by with flowers arrives to pay her respects to Ms Ramadan. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

“This lady has reported to police a number of incidents including burglaries and that’s a line of inquiry that we are still obviously looking at.

“Whether it’s a targeted attack or not, it’s too early for me to say.”

He asked local residents to look around their gardens and surroundings for anything unusual.

Neighbours described clashes between the squatters and Ms Ramadan, who they said had fled to Queensland after a death threat.

The neighbours suspect the squatters occupied her home during her months interstate.

She had been a victim of multiple burglaries, and told neighbours she had recently woken to find intruders in her home.

Police said that the squat was a focus of their investigation.

Detectives on Sunday looked around the squalid squat, inside which soiled blankets, a broken door, cigarettes and tree branches could be seen.

Forensic crews on the scene. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

Neighbours said intruders had repeatedly targeted Ms Ramadan’s home. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

Sgt Ross said police were yet to establish any suspects.

“There is an address nearby that is frequented by squatters … and we’ll be looking at that address closely,” he said.

“This lady has reported to police a number of incidents, including burglaries.

“Whether it’s a (planned) attack or not, it’s too early for me to say,” he said.

The body was discovered by a handyman who had come to fix a fence, and who entered the home through an open rear door.

Ms Ramadan, who was in poor health and suffering from Parkinson’s disease and dementia, was last seen alive on March 29, when a neighbour found her wandering in the street, disoriented.

The elderly woman is estranged from her family and is believed to have had no contact with them recently.

There are suggestions she could have lain dead for days.

Forensics police and detectives are at the scene. Picture: Tony Gough

Forensics police outside the home. Picture: Tony Gough

Neighbours said she feared for her life following repeated break-ins, including one in which her credit cards, bank cards, passport and citizenship papers were stolen.

“They took everything — credit card, bank cards, passport, her citizenship papers,” the unnamed resident said.

“She was a very independent old lady. She would get me to read her mail. I feel so terrible.”

One neighbour said Ms Ramadan had recently returned from a long stay in Queensland, where it is understood she had relatives, following a terrifying confrontation in October.

“She was putting her bins out one night and confronted the squatters. She told me they threatened her, saying: ‘We’re gonna kill you.’

“She spent a few months in Queensland after that, and only got back in February or so,” the neighbour said.

Friends today left flor­al tributes at Ms Ramadan’s home, and retail workers at Watergardens Town Centre paid tribute to her.

Det. Sgt Ross said Ms Ramadan’s death had been a “terrible ordeal” for neighbours and had left loved ones heartbroken.

Detectives outside the home. Picture: Tony Gough

Neighbours said Ms Ramadan was involved with disputes with nearby squatters. Picture: Tony Gough

A detective and a forensics officer talk on the veranda of the house

MORE LAW AND ORDER

Her neighbours described Ms Ramadan as a “nice quiet lady”. It’s understood she migrated from Macedonia years ago.

“Every night the light is on (on her porch),’’ the neighbour said. “I haven’t seen it on for two weeks.”

Zivorad Radovanovac, who also lives nearby, said he and his wife often invited Ms Ramadan over.

She has a son who lives in Melbourne and a daughter who lives in Queensland.

“Vicki was a very nice lady, very quiet lady,” Mr Radovanovac said.

“She was always by herself. Always going shopping, always collecting stuff.”

Neighbour Chloe Vincent said: “(I am) a bit shaken up about it, it is scary. She didn’t have anyone, she lived alone.’’

Police want to hear from anyone with information about Ms Ramadan’s movements between March 29 and April 6. She regularly used public transport such as buses and taxis.

Anyone with any information is urged to phone Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

[e-mail]