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Thursday's Final Word
A man accused of murdering his estranged wife is a father of four and a former merchant sailor.
Jessie James Tumaliuan, 41, of Hoppers Crossing in Melbourne’s west, is accused of stabbing to death his estranged partner Czarina Gatbonton Tumaliuan, 42, at her home on Thursday.
Tumaliuan faced the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Friday where he was remanded in custody to reappear on July 31.
It remains unclear how police put their case against the alleged killer, with the court hearing it would take three months to obtain a pathologist report to help detectives understand a cause of death.
Ms Tumaliuan had lived directly across the road from a primary school, with neighbours reportedly hearing her blood-curdling screams shortly after she was observed walking her kids to school.
Officers were called to the Retford Close home, across the road from Bethany Catholic Primary School in Werribee, about 9am on Thursday.
One local, who wished to remain anonymous, said she saw a man whose clothes were covered in blood standing outside the home.
Another neighbour Darren Fudyma told Daily Mail Australia police had advised him someone had been stabbed inside a home which had been sealed off by detectives.
Father-of-four Jessie James Tumaliuan (left) is accused of murdering his estranged wife Czarina Gatbonton Tumaliuan (right)
Jessie James Tumaliuan and Czarina in happier times
‘They informed me there had been a homicide which is very strange, especially in this quiet cul-de-sac,’ he said.
Police found Ms Tumaliuan’s body in the backyard of her Werribee home.
The popular businesswoman had run Bellizzima Online Shop while caring for her four children.
Her Facebook page proudly boasted about her juggling act as mother and businesswoman, declaring herself a ‘working mum, businesswoman and supermum’.
The self-described foodie and adventurer would often encourage other mothers to follow their dreams.
‘Successful mothers/women are not the ones that never struggled. They are the ones that never give up, despite the struggles,’ she posted in 2023.
She had described her children as her ‘treasure, pride, joy and inspiration’.
Her husband had studied at the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy and worked as a sailor.
Jessie James Tumaliuan posted this image of him and his wife a little over a year ago
Police stopped parents from picking-up their children at the school exit near the home where Ms Tumaliuan’s body was found
His social media pages are littered with photographs of himself and Ms Tumaliuan in happier times.
Many photos show his family enjoying good times at the beach and other fun events.
It remains unclear when the couple’s relationship soured.
Tumaliuan made no application for bail and will remain behind bars until his next appearance.
