Carpenter Milorad ‘Mick’ Zaric charged with murdering neighbour Vicky Van Aken in Bayswater

More details have emerged of the tragic final moments of a Bayswater mum’s life as her tradie neighbour fronted court charged with her murder.

A homicide investigation is under way after a woman found dead in a Bayswater home. Picture: Luis Enrique Ascui

Police are investigating whether a mum was murdered on her doorstep trying to protect the son of her alleged killer.

In an extreme act of bravery, it’s believed mother of two Vicky Van Aken, nee Apostolopoulos, was fatally stabbed allegedly by her neighbour Milorad ‘Mick’ Zaric while shielding his fearful, injured teenage son from danger.

One theory being investigated by the homicide squad is that Mr Zaric, 47, had gone after his son with a knife during a violent altercation on Saturday morning.

Suffering lacerations to his hand, the 17-year-old boy managed to escape and is believed to have sought refuge next door at the home of Ms Van Aken and her young children.

Vicky Van Aken, nee Apostolopoulos, was allegedly killed by her neighbour in her Bayswater home. Picture: Facebook

Mr Zaric allegedly confronted the 51-year-old mother, stabbing her to death in her doorway as her horrified children watched on.

A witness saw several hysterical children run into the street with Mr Zaric in pursuit prior to his arrest, the Herald Sun has been told.

Ms Van Aken’s family members appeared distraught and were heard crying as they entered the Cousin Dve, Bayswater home on Sunday to collect belongings.

Homicide squad detectives moved between the two neighbouring properties throughout the day as they worked to piece together the events which led to the horrific killing.

Vicky Van Aken, nee Apostolopoulos, was believed to be trying to protect the son of her alleged killer when she died. Picture: Facebook

Ms Van Aken was a doting mother to her two young boys and regularly posted happy snaps of them together on holidays or at family gatherings.

Neighbours had seen her trick or treating just weeks ago with her children during Halloween.

Ms Van Aken worked at a local Australia Post outlet up until about 12 months ago.

She is the 64th woman killed by violence in Australia this year, according to the Counting Dead Women register.

Mr Zaric worked as a carpenter and police on Saturday said there was no known conflict between him and Ms Van Aken prior to the stabbing.

“It appears as though the (alleged) offender has gone to the victim’s house and she’s opened the door and then she’s been assaulted and subsequently died from her injuries,” Detective Senior Sergeant Chris Ellway said.

“It’s a tragic set of circumstances.”

Police outside the Bayswater home. Picture: Luis Enrique Ascui

Mr Zaric’s son required hospital treatment for his hand injuries.

Dressed in a white forensic suit, Mr Zaric appeared before the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Sunday facing a single count of murder.

The court heard the carpenter was withdrawing from drugs and alcohol and would need to see a custody nurse during his first stint behind bars.

He did not speak throughout the hearing and could at times be seen grabbing his chest and loudly exhaling or closing his eyes.

Homicide detectives at the scene. Picture: Luis Enrique Ascui

Homicide Squad detective senior constable Daniel Magee requested an extension of the delivery of the hand up brief to analyse CCTV and body-worn camera footage, drug samples and conduct interviews.

The request was rejected by Magistrate Ross Betts who said the homicide “does not appear to be a complex case”.

“I don’t believe a longer period for the service of the hand up brief is justified,” Mr Betts said.

Mr Zaric was remanded to reappear in court for a committal on February 14, 2025.