Tears for ‘gentle soul’ Nikkita, found dead by loving family in South Morang home

The shattered family of accountant Nikkita Azzopardi have revealed they broke into the house she shared with her partner, and claim they were told she was “sleeping”, before finding chairs barricading doors – and her dead.

Police at a Reid St property after a woman's body was found. Picture: Fergus Ellis

The heartbroken brother of hardworking accountant Nikkita Azzopardi has told of how he found his sister dead inside her South Morang home on Monday morning, after fearing for her welfare and breaking into her house.

He now could not get the image of his dead sister — who he described as “a gentle soul” — out of his head, Shaun Azzopardi, 40, said.

A 33-year-old man — understood to be Nikkita’s partner Joel Micallef — has been interviewed by police in relation to the death.

It’s understood family members of Mr Micallef attended the scene on Monday morning and spoke with Nikkita’s father, Edward Azzopardi, 65.

A visibly emotional Mr Azzopardi said he saw his daughter covered in blood on the floor of her home.

“He killed my daughter,” he claimed.

Shaun said family members went to Nikkita’s Reid St house on Monday morning after she had failed to arrive at a family barbecue on Sunday as planned, and they had been unable to reach her on the phone, or by knocking on her door.

He said Nikkita, 35, had last spoken to her family on Saturday, but no one had been able to get in touch with her since.

Nikkita Azzopardi, 35, was found dead in a South Morang home.

Nikkita Azzopardi and Joel Micallef. Source: Supplied

“This morning I felt that something wasn’t right, I called her and she wasn’t answering,” Shaun said.

When family arrived at her house on Monday morning, they smashed a pane of glass to enter, he said.

He claimed Nikkita’s partner of about two years, Joel Micallef, was inside the house at the time.

Shaun also claims when they asked where Nikkita was, Mr Micallef told them she was “sleeping”.

Family members, including Shaun and his father, then searched the house and allegedly found doors barricaded with chairs.

“I went upstairs and went through the door and I saw my sister … I can’t get that image out of my head,” he said.

Shaun said his sister’s death felt like a bad dream.

“It doesn’t feel real,” he said. “I’m trying to stay strong.”

The last time he saw his sister alive was at his son’s 15th birthday party earlier this month, Shaun said.

He said his sister was a hard working accountant who had played a big role in his life.

Ms Azzopardi was an accountant and loved by her family.

Joel Micallef. Source: Facebook

Nikkita’s father has revealed he feared for his daughter’s safety, before she was found dead about 10am on Monday.

Edward Azzopardi said he called police early on Monday morning, requesting a welfare check on his daughter after driving to her house late on Sunday and finding the lights on but the front door locked, and nobody answering it when he knocked.

“My daughter’s dead,” he told the Herald Sun on Monday.

Family members were seen sobbing and embracing each other on Monday afternoon, with Nikkita was described by friends and family as a kind and caring person, who never had a bad word to say about anyone.

Shaun Azzopardi outside the South Morang home where his sister was found dead. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

Police at the scene of Reid Street in South Morang. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

Nikkitas’s former partner and childhood friend Ash Jenson, 35, told the Herald Sun she adored her family.

“Family was everything for her … she always wanted to make her mum so happy,” Mr Jenson said.

He said she loved reading and enjoyed good coffee, and broke down, saying: “I feel like I lost a piece of me.”

A neighbour of the Reid St, property where Ms Azzopardi’s body was found said a detective was brought to tears by the scene.

Tony Naggiar, 66, said the distressed police officer needed comforting.

“He was crying … other police officers went around him and hugged him,” Mr Naggiar said.

“He couldn’t stop crying.”

A large section of Reid St remained condoned off by police on Monday afternoon, with more than half a dozen uniformed officers stationed outside the house.

Police at the scene. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

Police have cordoned off a large section of Reid St in South Morang.

Picture: Andrew Henshaw

A police spokeswoman said the exact circumstances surrounding the death were yet to be determined and investigations were ongoing.

Homicide Squad detectives are believed to be speaking with the family.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

Originally published as Tears for ‘gentle soul’ Nikkita, found dead by loving family in South Morang home