‘Kindest little lady' dies from suspicious injuries

Perth Now

5 hours ago

Heartbroken neighbours of Melbourne woman Julia Neira remember her as a beloved member of their tight-knight community after she was identified as the victim of a suspicious death now under homicide investigation.
The 63-year old Chilean national, described by a neighbour as 'kindest little lady', was reported missing on June 14 after failing to return to her home.
'The neighbour had seen the woman with an unknown man outside her property on Marna Court on 7 June and had been unable to contact her since,' police said in a statement.
Ms Neira was found by police on June 16 in Dandenong Hospital with serious injuries described as appearing 'consistent with being seriously assaulted'.
Homicide squad detectives are investigating after Ms Neira died on the evening of June 20.
Police confirmed they were able to interview her before she died and were treating her death as suspicious.
A 62-year-old Endeavour Hills man, who was known to Ms Neira, has been interviewed but released pending further inquiries.
Neighbours said Ms Neira had lived on Marna Court in Noble Park for nearly seven years and had become a much-loved part of the tight-knit community.
'She was the softest, gentlest, kindest little lady,' neighbour Suzanne told Nine News.
'I didn't sleep all night, I think 'Julia where are you, what's happened to you',' another neighbour said.
The exact circumstances around the incident are still being determined.
'Detectives are keen to speak to anyone who may have further information about the circumstances leading up to the woman's death,' Victoria police said.
Police are urging anyone with information to contact crime stoppers.