A house-sitter who was burned alive by arsonists who attacked the wrong target has been identified as a popular burlesque performer.
Katie Tangey, otherwise known as Vivien May-Royale, has been named as the 27-year-old who died on Thursday in the targeted house fire in Truganina, in Melbourne’s west.
Ms Tangey had made a desperate triple-0 call shortly after 2am, telling the operator she was trapped in the burning house in Dover Street and could not escape.
Police later confirmed she had been a victim of mistaken identity.
‘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,’ an online tribute posted by good friend Cherry Charleston stated.
‘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.’
Ms Tangey had been in a relationship with Melbourne ice hockey player Mathew Zammit.
Katie Tangey, otherwise known as Vivien May-Royale, was killed in a targeted attack
Ms Tangey is believed to have died inside the house alongside the family dog.
Such was the intensity of the blaze that crews were unable to quell the flames until two hours later when a search of the property was made, and her body was found.
Detective Inspector Chris Murray from Arson and Explosives Squad told reporters on Thursday Ms Tangey had been looking after the house for her brother, who was on his honeymoon.
‘What I can say is this: this individual is completely innocent and should not have died,’ Det Insp Murray told reporters.
‘We have no history on this individual nor the family. In fact, she is the type of girl who doesn’t leave home very much, and it was probably her first time really away and by herself, house sitting for her brother.’
‘He’s on a honeymoon, and she’s been subjected to the most appalling, despicable act one can imagine.’
Det Insp Murray said police didn’t believe the attack was linked to the ongoing tobacco wars, which have seen more than 100 arson incidents across Victoria.
However, the random nature of the attack led police to believe it might have been a mistake.
Mathew Zammit and Katie Tangey
The Dover Street property was destroyed in a mindless arson attack
All that remained of the Dover Street property
‘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,’ Det Insp Murray 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.’
CCTV footage from a nearby property showed two alleged offenders parking a small dark colour SUV or hatchback outside the home at around 2.03am before they jumped the fence.
The pair were seen getting back into the car and speeding away at around 2.10am as flames erupted from the home.
‘We know two occupants got out of that vehicle. Some accelerant was poured inside the house and subsequently has engulfed the premises,’ Det Insp Murray said.
‘Whether they meant to damage these premises or just cause a scare tactic… now they are staring at a charge of homicide, of murder.
‘We’re looking for two murderers. Let’s be clear about that.
‘I know the type of individuals that do that, they do it for a few $100 thinking they’re going to burn something down. This was just a matter of time.’
Katie Tangey, otherwise known as Vivien May-Royale, was allegedly murdered in a case of mistaken identity
Katie Tangey and partner Mathew Zammit
Fire Rescue Victoria Commander Callum Donoghue said the fire likely started on the ground floor and escalated to ‘extreme’ temperatures that reached well over 200C.
‘Inside the dwelling was completely gutted,’ Commander Donoghue said.
‘The access was very difficult for our firefighters, so an external attack was put in place.
‘Firefighters are currently assisting the arson squad with photography just to determine the full cause of the fire.
‘There was loud bang noise around 2.15am and within minutes whole house was on fire,’ he said.
A Truganina man told Daily Mail Australia he recalled hearing a loud noise after midnight.
‘The roof was fully engulfed. It was ferocious.’
‘It was quite distressing – knowing there might be people in there.’
A community advice warning was issued for smoke in the immediate area.
Police have appealed for anybody with information to come forward by contacting Crime Stoppers.
