Heidelberg West attack: Maud Steenbeek killed in home invasion during video call
Heidelberg West mum Maud Steenbeek — killed in a horrific home invasion while on a video call with a relative — had been preparing for a seachange to Geelong, a friend says.
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A mother of two killed in a horrific home invasion has been remembered by friends as a “strong minded woman” who was “very fit” for her age.
Maud Steenbeek, 61, was killed in her Heidelberg West home on Tuesday night when her alleged murderer crept up behind her while she was on a video call.
The suspected killer, 28-year-old Xochil O’Neill, was last night in the Royal Melbourne Hospital under police guard.
The 61-year-old victim was reportedly on the call with an overseas relative, who saw the intruder moving behind her before the call cut out, Nine reports.
It is believed the relative then called the woman’s son for help.
Friend Kerrin Metz said she met Ms Steenbeek at a Bunnings store and they bonded over her pet dog.
“She was a caring devoted mother, an enlightened spirit, a beautiful natured person,” Ms Metz told the Herald Sun.
“She was a talented yoga teacher who gave her time and energy to many people and she will be sadly missed by all who knew her.”
Ms Metz said Ms Steenbeek was planning a seachange and move to a cottage she was renovating in the Geelong suburb of Corio.
Floral tributes have been left outside and Steenbeek’s Liberty Parade home this morning.
One reads: “RIP Aunty Maud.”
“Always loved and never forgotten. The boys are safe with us and are not alone.”
Ms Steenbeek’s relatives were last night making a mercy dash from Holland to mourn the beloved mother of two.
Ms Steenbeek’s ex-brother-in-law Ranko visited her home this afternoon and left a floral tribute.
He said they’d known each other for 40 years.
“She didn’t deserve this. She was a wonderful woman, Ranko said.
“It’s just tragic, it’s sad. It’s terrible.”
Ranko said his brother met Ms Steenbeek in the 1980s and she moved from Holland to pursue a life in Australia.
The pair divorced some time ago but had two sons together, Luke and Adam.
“Her boys will suffer greatly,” Ranko said.
“She was looking after her two grown-up boys. She was trying to get her boys off on the right foot.”
Ranko said she was a “pretty peaceful” woman.
Another friend told the Herald Sun: “She was very intelligent, smart.”
The Herald Sun understands Ms Steenbeek sustained severe injuries to her head and face during the attack that unfolded about 8pm.
Neighbours described hearing screams about the time of the murder.
It is not clear if the victim and O’Neill were known to each other.
Neighbours said Ms Steenbeek lived with her two sons, one of who rushed home from the gym to help her when told she was in danger.
He made a citizen’s arrest, restraining the intruder until police arrived.
O’Neill, 28, suffered severe injuries and it is expected to be some time before he can be questioned.
A neighbour said a man was earlier seen acting erratically in the street.
“He seemed to be completely off his face,” the witness said.
“We thought he was having an episode, then he was running and we thought ‘What the hell?’
“He was trying to jump into trees. Then he was hiding under a car.”
Police were last night investigating if the erratic man was O’Neill.
While being interviewed by detectives at the scene on Tuesday night, the victim’s grief-stricken son charged at a Nine News crew and wrecked their camera.
Blood could be seen on his singlet and shorts.
His charge was filmed by cameraman Scott Whiston, who later said $20,000 damage was caused to his camera.
“I thought he was just legging it from the cops,” he said.
“He charged at us, he was moving as fast as he could run. He started stomping on the camera in a panicked fury.”
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On Wednesday forensics officers and detectives combed the property and the street for evidence.
Police covered the porch of the home with an orange tarp.
Police last night said O’Neill’s motive for attending the victim’s house was still unknown, with the investigation ongoing.
“Investigators are not looking for anyone else in relation to the incident and there is no ongoing risk to the public,” a police spokeswoman said.
Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.