Mystery surrounds death of woman who vanished from her home: 'She was the gentlest, kindest little lady'
The death of woman who vanished from her Melbourne home before turning up a week later in a hospital with severe injuries has sparked a homicide investigation.
Julia Neira, 63, was reported missing by a neighbour on June 14 after she left her home at Noble Park, in Melbourne 's southeast, a few days earlier and failed to return.
The Chilean national who emigrated to Australia had been seen talking with a man shortly before leaving the property.
Two days after police were notified she was missing, they located Ms Neira in Dandenong Hospital with injuries described by police as 'consistent with being seriously assaulted.'
She died from her injuries on Friday evening.
Homicide Squad detectives are investigating her death, which is being treated as suspicious.
Police confirmed they spoke with a 62-year-old Endeavour Hills man in relation to the incident.
He has been released without charge pending further enquiries.
Police believe Ms Neira and the man were known to each other.
Officers confirmed they were able to speak with Ms Neira in hospital before her death.
'At this time, the exact circumstances surrounding the incident which led to her being injured are still being determined,' a police spokesperson said.
Officers have been canvassing the area and collecting CCTV footage from around her Marna Court address from June 7 to June 14.
Ms Neira's relatives live in Chile, and neighbours said the Marna Court community had become like the woman's second family.
Ms Neira had lived in the area for six years.
One neighbour told the Herald Sun the 63-year-old was an 'angel.'
Another said Ms Neira was always ready for a cup of tea and a talk and that she was a loyal friend.
'She was the softest, gentlest, kindest little lady,' friend, Suzanne, told Nine News.
'I didn't sleep all night, I think Julia where are you, what's happened to you,' another neighbour, Zorca, said.
'I miss her so much.'
Police are tracking down Ms Neira's next of kin overseas to notify them.
Detectives said they were keen to speak to anyone who may have further information about the circumstances leading up to Ms Neira's death.
Anyone with information has been urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a report online.
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