Guilty plea over mother-of-five Vitorina Bruce’s stabbing murder
A mother of five was found unresponsive with a number of stab wounds in a hotel hallway and later died in hospital.
A man accused of murdering a mother of five in an East Perth hotel has entered a plea of guilty during an appearance in a Perth court.
Julian Alexander Pau, 42, was charged with murder following the death of Vitorina Bruce, 40, who was known to him, on November 20, 2022.
Ms Bruce was found in a hallway, unresponsive and with stab wounds at the Quality Hotel Ambassador Perth on Adelaide Terrace about 9.40am.
She was rushed to hospital but died of her injuries.
Appearing in Stirling Gardens Magistrates Court via video link from Casuarina Prison on Wednesday, Pau entered a guilty plea to a single charge of murder.
He’ll have his first appearance in the WA Supreme Court on November 13 when a sentencing date may be set.
Ms Bruce’s cousin Margret Tokalau set-up a GoFundMe campaign following the murder that raised $4000 to cover funeral costs.
“She came to Perth for a three-year contract to support her five children who are left behind,” Ms Tokalau said.
“She had so much plans to support her children with education and to break the poverty-stricken life they faced daily.
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“Her life was tragically taken after being in Perth for just over five months.
“I can only imagine what her kids are going through. Your help will go towards Vitorina’s funeral and help with her children.”
Ms Bruce left behind two adult children, a teenage son, and two young twins.