Katie Tangey, aka Vivien May-Royale identified as woman killed in Truganina house fire
A woman who police suspect was mistakenly targeted in a brazen arson attack has been identified as a glamorous Melbourne artist.
Breaking News
Don't miss out on the headlines from Breaking News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The woman who died in a targeted arson attack which police say is a case of mistaken identity has been identified as a popular Melbourne artist.
Katie Tangey, 27, died inside her brother’s home in the western Melbourne suburb of Truganina in the early hours of Thursday.
Ms Tangey performed burlesque under the stage name Vivien May-Royale.
“Friends. The glorious Vivien May-Royale, otherwise known as Katie, was the 27-year-old who died yesterday in the targeted house fire in Truganina,” Cherry Charleston posted online.
“Her mum has asked that I share to the burlesque world so we can celebrate her sparkliness. 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. Please share all your stories and photos of Katie Lee and tag her so the family can know just how much we loved her.”
The police arson squad lead investigator previously described the victim of the fire as “completely innocent”, adding police suspect the incident was a case of mistaken identity.
Online, one person said Ms Tangey’s death would hit the community hard.
“My deepest condolences to Katie’s family. She made such a huge impact in Melbourne’s burly, drag and pin up communities. She will be missed and never forgotten.”
Another friend described May-Royale as a powerful performer.
“She was such an incredibly talented, wonderful person and powerhouse on stage. So much sympathy for her Mum, they were such a team and I can’t imagine the grief she’s going through. May Vivien forever sparkle over us all from the other side.”
“Vivien always showed up so authentically herself in burlesque spaces and I found her performances so refreshing, she’s been on my burlesque top list for a long while. Such a tragedy,” yet another admirer posted.
Another friend described Ms Tangey as a sweetheart.
“Another woman lost to male violence in Melbourne. Katie was a bright light, a magnificent glamour queen and a sweet, sweet person, killed in a deliberate house fire in Truganina in the early hours of yesterday,” Gemma Sheree posted.
“My condolences go out to our friend Tracey Tangey at this very difficult time. Please call me if you need anything.”
Speaking from the scene on Thursday, arson and explosives squad Detective Inspector Chris Murray said the victim was “completely innocent” and the police had no history on her or her family.
“We’re stuck. The premises and the family and the individual lead us nowhere. Therefore, the only logical conclusion I can draw is they’ve got the wrong premises,” he said.
“There seems to be a fascination with the use of fire to solve crime, solve beef, solve acts of revenge. These are the consequences we’re seeing, and they’re serious consequences. This girl did not deserve to lose her life.”
The three-storey townhouse on Dover St, Truganina, was owned by Ms Tangey’s brother. Ms Tangey lived in the suburb of Hoppers Crossing.
“This individual is completely innocent and should not have died,” Inspector Murray said.
“We have no history on this individual nor the family. In my early stages, my early call is these offenders had targeted the wrong address which is nothing short of a tragedy.”
“House sitting for her brother who is on a honeymoon, and she’s been subjected to the most appalling, despicable act one could imagine.”
On Thursday afternoon police released CCTV footage which shows the explosion and towering flames. However, the recorded images of the offenders are mostly obstructed.
One figure approaches the three-storey townhouse while a dark coloured small SUV rolls past.
The person who set the fire gets into the SUV and they leave the scene.
Police say an accelerant was tipped into the house and that Ms Tangey had tried to call triple-0 from inside the home.
Originally published as Katie Tangey, aka Vivien May-Royale identified as woman killed in Truganina house fire