‘Biggest heart’: Outpouring of grief for woman found dead in Cobram

The family of Emma Bates say she had the “biggest heart” of anyone they knew – but tragically, they say that’s how she ended up befriending the man accused of assaulting her.

The family of a woman found dead in her Cobram home on Tuesday afternoon say she had the “biggest heart of anyone we know”.

Emma Bates, 49, was found on the floor of her Campbell Rd home at 2.15pm on April 23 with significant head and upper body injuries.

John Torney – who was found not guilty of the murder of two-year-old Nikki Francis Coslovich at Mildura in 2015 – was on Wednesday night charged with intentionally cause injury, reckless cause injury, aggravated assault of a female and unlawful assault.

Emma Bates was a proud aunt to 17 nieces and nephews. Picture: Supplied

He was arrested by police on Tuesday and grilled over the mysterious death of Emma Bates.

Ms Bates’ family told the Herald Sun murder charges would not be laid “at this stage”, with police waiting on the results of an autopsy to determine the cause of death.

The Herald Sun understands results of the autopsy could take weeks.

Ms Bates’ sister, Rachel, said her sibling was “a much-loved member of our family, the fourth of seven children”.

“She was always helping someone, whether that was dropping in food for an elderly neighbour or giving lifts to people when needed … The list goes on, “ Rachel said.

“Emma was also known for being a “crazy cat lady” who had many rescue kittens that she treated like “babies”, and her home decor was cat inspired.

Ms Bates was found dead in her Cobram home on Tuesday afternoon. Picture: Supplied

“While she was not blessed with children, Emma was a proud aunty to 17 nieces and nephews who were her “pride and joy”.

“She had many of their faces tattooed to her leg so she could carry them with her.

“It’s tragic that her big heart has led her to a friendship with a man who (has been charged with harming her) … No one deserves that.”

Rachel said her sister had long battled health issues, including type 1 diabetes.

“This caused many health complications … She was frequently hospitalised,” she said.

“Emma used a mobility scooter to travel around, and despite her health issues “had the biggest heart of anyone we know”.

Neighbours say John Torney moved into the same street as Ms Bates about 14 months ago. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

John Clifford Torney has been charged with assaulting Ms Bates. Picture: Tony Gough

A Cobram local, who did not want to be named, said Torney, 39, had moved into a house two doors down from Ms Bates about 14 months ago.

A neighbour, who didn’t want to be named, said the news of Ms Bates’ passing was “heartbreaking”.

“We’ve been here for 20 years and I’ve known her since then,” she said.

“She was a beautiful lady, she would do anything for you.

Neighbours leave flowers outside Ms Bates’ home. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

“I used to go there all the time and see her and we went walking together and she was lovely – I can’t believe she’s gone.”

The woman said Ms Bates was a popular member of the broader Cobram community.

“She would walk down the street and everyone would talk to her, that part of her is going to be missed,” she said.

“She was such a good friend, we had her up here often, we used to have parties outside,

The neighbour and her family laid a flower in front of Ms Bates’ house on Thursday morning.

She said her “emotions were everywhere” when she found out about the death of her friend.

“My heart felt like it was coming out of my chest,” she said.

“I was all churned up in the stomach, I couldn’t believe it.

Cobram resident Karen Walsh said hearing about the death of Ms Bates made her feel unsafe.

“I live just around the corner … it’s a nice area, I’ve only been up here four years, I moved up from Melbourne to enjoy the Murray River.

“I’m just heartbroken with what’s happened, and just sad about the situation.”

John Torney is expected to face Shepparton Magistrates’ Court on Friday.