Richmond woman found dead at state’s ‘most dangerous’ public housing complex

A woman has been found dead at a notorious Richmond public housing complex, plagued by open drug use and violence.

The Murphy St public housing complex has been described as Victoria’s most dangerous. Picture: Supplied

A woman has been found dead at one of the state’s “most dangerous” public housing complexes in Richmond.

The Herald Sun can reveal emergency services were called to reports the woman in her 40s was found dead at a social housing property on Murphy St about 6.30am on Tuesday.

A Victoria Police spokeswoman said police would prepare a report for the coroner.

“The exact circumstances surrounding the death are yet to be determined but at this stage it is not being treated as suspicious,” the spokeswoman said.

Residents, who have held several meetings with the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH), have told the Herald Sun the social complex has for months been plagued with crime, drug use and anti-social behaviour.

Emails sent to residents by DFFH on Monday and seen by the Herald Sun said security guards had been placed outside the Murphy St social housing complex after a raft of safety complaints from residents.

“I am writing to let you know that from today we have two security contractors based at Murphy St, Richmond from 3pm until 9pm daily.

A woman has been found dead in a notorious Richmond social housing complex. Picture: Supplied

Police outside the Murphy St complex.

“This is an interim arrangement which we will be monitoring closely, with the view of making adjustments as needed,” the email said.

Photos obtained by the Herald Sun also show used needles and rubbish strewn all over the property.

Chrissy Maynard, who formed the Murphy St residents’ group, after witnessing dozens of incidents of crime and “high level” drug dealing, said the woman’s death was “tragic”.

“This is a failure by DFFH who failed to support one of their own residents,” she said.

“This is one of the state’s most dangerous public housing complexes and it’s time for Housing Minister Danny Pearson to attend our meetings to hear residents’ concerns.”

Nicholas Kosyvas, whose elderly mother lives across the road from the rooming house, said he had witnessed fights and “blatant” drug use.

“The place is full of drug users and dealers. There’s fights every night and I’ve seen stolen cars turn up to the house, it’s just so terrible,” he said.

“I’ve seen people injecting themselves at the property and in cars outside, it’s very confronting.

“Neighbours feel so unsafe and one of them has recently sold their property because they are too scared to live here.

“The council and the state government need to step in now to assist residents.”

A DFFH spokeswoman said: “We are aware of a woman found deceased this morning at the Murphy St complex and send our condolences to her family and friends.”

“The department is unable to provide any further information, the matter is with the Coroner,” she said.

A state government spokeswoman said there was a co-ordinated effort currently underway between the DFFH, Victoria Police and City of Yarra to support tenants and neighbours at Murphy St.

“Work is underway with residents to address any concerns at the housing walk up and surrounding area.”