Man accused of shocking crimes against his wife and daughter dies in prison before the trial
A man due to stand trial for allegedly shooting his wife dead and wounding their daughter has died in prison.
In July 2023, Vasilis Vergulis was accused of gunning down his 51-year-old wife Aleksandra and daughter Daniela, aged 22 at the time, in Campbelltown, Adelaide.
He pleaded not guilty to murder, attempted murder, and causing serious harm in January 2024 and was ordered to stand trial, The Courier Mail reported.
But before he made it to trial, a Department for Correctional Services spokeswoman said on Friday that a prisoner had been 'found unresponsive' at Port Augusta Prison.
'SA Ambulance Service arrived just before noon and pronounced the individual deceased,' she said.
'The Office for Correctional Services Review has been notified and will liaise with SA Police.
'All deaths in custody are subject to a coronial investigation.'
Vergulis is survived by Daniela, who recovered from her injuries and now works as a legal secretary in the Crown Solicitors' capital office.
The mother and daughter reportedly visited Vergulis regularly to check on him at his home in Campbelltown and were understood to have brought him groceries on July 15, 2023, the day of the incident.
Police rushed to the house around 1.30pm, on the day of the shootings, where they found Aleksandra dead at the front of the property.
Prosecutors alleged that Vergulis fatally shot his wife in the driveway before seriously injuring Daniela, who was rushed to Royal Adelaide Hospital.
Vergulis then allegedly barricaded himself inside the house as dozens of specialist officers swarmed the street.
He surrendered to police at around 5pm and was taken to the City Watch House where he was charged.
Ms Vergulis was an executive assistant for UniSA Education Futures, at the University of South Australia, where she was employed for almost 12 years.
Her daughter graduated from the same university just three months before the incident.
'I am so proud to announce that I have graduated from the University of South Australia with a Bachelor of Laws (Second class Honours) and Bachelor of Psychology,' Daniela said on LinkedIn.
Her mother, who affectionately called her daughter Dana, added a joyful comment, sharing her pride.
'Well Done Dana! I am so proud of you, sweetheart,' she said.
'I bless you with all that you need to earn many more achievements and feasts in life ahead and I'll always be there to support you.'
Neighbours described Ms Vergulis as a 'lovely woman' and said they were shocked by the tragedy.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Guardian
39 minutes ago
- The Guardian
Murder inquiry launched after woman stabbed to death in Croydon
A murder investigation has been launched after a woman was stabbed to death in south London. Officers were called to Frith Road, Croydon, at 9.07am on Saturday, the Metropolitan police said. The London ambulance service and London's air ambulance treated two injured people. The woman, who is in her 20s, died at the scene, despite the efforts of a teenage boy to help her, police said. A man in his 30s was taken to hospital with minor injuries. He has since been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in hospital, Scotland Yard said. Initial inquiries suggest the incident started at a nearby address, before escalating on to Frith Road, the force added. Supt Mitch Carr said: 'This is a tragic incident where a young woman has lost her life and our thoughts are with her loved ones. 'I especially want to thank the members of the public, including a teenage boy, who bravely tried to help the victim. 'We believe that this was an isolated incident, but understand that this news will shock the local community. Officers will remain in the area over the coming days and we would ask anyone who has concerns to speak with them.'
The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
Woman in her 20s knifed to death in morning attack as cops launch murder probe
A MURDER investigation has been launched after a woman was fatally stabbed in broad daylight in a busy town centre. The young woman, in her 20s, tragically died at the scene in Croydon, south London, shortly after 9am today. 5 5 Emergency services were scrambled to a secluded back alley off Frith Road, located just minutes from the popular Centrale Shopping Centre in the heart of Croydon. Cops believe the incident started at a nearby address. Sebastian, who was making his way back from the gym, told how he rushed to help two people with stab wounds. Speaking to The Sun, he said: "I heard people panicking and someone shouting for help. "Everyone was too scared to go down that alleyway, but when I saw someone bleeding I knew I needed to help. "I ran over to go and look - some people told me not to go - but it was a natural reaction. "I'm still shaken up by it, seeing something like that. She seemed so young, such a beautiful young girl." The Met confirmed that officers had been called to the scene at 9.07am following reports of a stabbing. A spokesperson for the force said: " Police were called to Firth Road at 09:07hrs on Saturday, 31 May following reports of a stabbing. 5 5 "Officers attended with the London Ambulance Service and London's Air Ambulance, who treated two injured people at the scene. "A woman in her 20s sadly died at the scene. A man in his 30s was taken to hospital with minor injuries. "He has since been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in hospital. "A scene is currently in place near to the location and those in the area can expect to see a police presence throughout the weekend. "Detectives are in the early stages of establishing what has happened, but initial enquiries suggest the incident begun at a nearby address, before escalating onto Frith Road."
Daily Mail
2 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Boy, 14, is murdered as police arrest youth and appeal to those who filmed incident to come forward
A youth has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a 14-year-old boy was found collapsed on the Isle of Man, as police issued an urgent appeal to anyone who has shared footage of the 'serious incident' to come forward. Emergency services rushed to assist Christopher McBurnie, after receiving a call shortly after 3.30pm on Thursday, in the area of Close Drean in Ramsey. Despite their efforts, the teenager was pronounced dead at the scene, Isle of Man Constabulary said. A murder inquiry has now been launched and a juvenile has been detained in custody for questioning. Isle of Man Chief Constable Russ Foster said the victim's relatives were being supported by specialist officers and that the community had been rocked by the tragedy, with murder being an 'extremely rare' incident on the island. The youngster's official cause of death will be determined by a Home Office pathologist 'in due course', he added. Chief Constable Foster said in a video statement: 'Our thoughts, heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathy with the family, friends and loved ones during this extremely sad and incredibly difficult time. 'Specialist officers are supporting Christopher's family and will continue to do so throughout the investigation. 'At 3.38pm on Thursday 29 May emergency services responded to an incident in the area of Close Drean, Ramsey where Christopher was found collapsed and despite the valiant efforts of members of the public, our officers, the fire and rescue service and paramedics, they were unable to save Christopher. 'We are aware that imagery of this incident was recorded by witnesses in the vicinity and is now featuring on social media platforms and being shared predominantly by teenagers. 'I'm mindful that social media features in all our lives in one way or another, but that should not mean that our values and respect for one another as a community should be compromised and enable rumour and speculation to flourish.' He urged anyone who has footage to refrain from sharing it as it would be 'likely to cause significant distress'. Chief Constable Foster added that the community had been 'shocked by the magnitude of an occurrence which is extremely rare for the Isle of Man.' The police appeal was issued as a JustGiving page was set up to raise funds for Christopher's funeral. A statement described the teenager as 'beautiful' and said he had 'brought so much joy and love to his whole family who love him so deeply.' The organiser added they hoped 'our Island can come together and raise some much needed funds at this very sad time.' Anyone with information is asked to call the Isle of Man police on 01624 631212, Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or submit footage or images online.
