House-sitting sister Katie Tangey killed in Truganina arson attack gone wrong
A woman killed in an arson attack gone wrong while house-sitting for her brother in Truganina has been remembered as a beautiful soul, as her devastated mother says she will be ‘forever broken’.
Police & Courts
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The innocent woman killed during a botched firebombing in Truganina has been identified as a “glorious” performer with a “beautiful soul”.
Katie Tangey, 27, died while she was house-sitting at her brother’s home before two offenders allegedly torched the three-storey townhouse.
Ms Tangey was trapped inside the Dover St property as the blaze took hold about 2.14am on Thursday morning.
The Hoppers Crossing woman managed to call firefighters but perished in the blaze.
Detectives say the two men had simply firebombed the wrong home.
Ms Tangey’s mother, Tracey, said she was a “broken” woman mourning the death of her daughter.
“It is with a heavy heart (that) I let you all know my beautiful baby girl passed away in a targeted house fire yesterday morning at 2am,” she said.
“I am completely broken and don’t know how we are going to heal from this devastating news.
“If you could all remember our beautiful soul in your own way.
“Rest my baby bub, mum loves you more than you will ever know, you are and always will be my best friend and the love of my life.
“My heart will be forever broken.”
Close friend Cherry Charleston remembered Ms Tangey as a popular burlesque performer.
“Her mum has asked that I share to the burlesque world so we can celebrate her sparkliness,” she wrote online.
“I adored her. Phoenix Burlesque adored her. And we loved her relationship with her beautiful fierce mum Tracey Tangey.
“Katie’s family is beyond devastated.”
Others remembered Ms Tangey, who was also known as Vivien May-Royale, as a “powerhouse” on the stage.
“She was such an incredibly talented, wonderful person and powerhouse on stage,” they wrote.
“So much sympathy for her mum, they were such a team and I can’t imagine the grief she’s going through.”
Dee remembered Ms Tangey as a “beautiful soul”.
“Katie you had a beautiful soul and everyone adored you,” they posted.
“I still remember the days at Westcare where everyone wanted to visit you, to see that lovely smile of yours.
“A beautiful soul taken away too early.”
The burlesque community has since set up a GoFundMe in honour of Ms Tangey, raising more than $2500 in the first few hours.
“We, the burlesque and performing community, are raising money to support the family of Katie Lee (Vivien May-Royale), whose life was tragically cut short on Thursday, 16th January,” the post read.
“Proceeds will go directly to Katie’s mother, Tracey, to support her living expenses and funeral costs during this insurmountable time of grief.”
A major arson squad investigation is continuing on Friday.
Detective Inspector Chris Murray said Ms Tangey did not deserve to lose her life at the hands of the two men.
“What I can say is this: this individual is completely innocent and should not have died,” he said on Thursday.
“We have no history on this individual nor the family. In fact, she is the type of girl who doesn’t leave home very much, and it was probably her first time really away and by herself, house sitting for her brother.
“He’s on a honeymoon, and she’s been subjected to the most appalling, despicable act one can imagine.”
He said the actions of the two men, who remained on the run on Friday, were despicable.
“Whether they meant to damage these premises or just cause a scare tactic… now they are staring at a charge of homicide, of murder,” he added.
“We’re looking for two murderers. Let’s be clear about that.”
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