Katie Tangey was housesitting for her brother while he was on honeymoon when flames took hold of the three-storey building on Dover Street in Truganina about 2am yesterday.
Police believe two men poured accelerant into the home before setting it alight while Tangey was inside.
Her mother Tracey Tangey has today confirmed her “beautiful baby girl” had been killed in the attack.
“I am completely broken and don’t know how we are going to heal from this devastating news. If you could all remember our beautiful soul in your own way,” she wrote in a social media post.
“Rest my baby bub mum loves you more than you will ever know, you are and always will be my best friend and the love of my life. My heart will be forever broken.”
Tangey was a burlesque performer who, under the stage name Vivien May-Royale, had become beloved by many in Melbourne’s art scene.
Her loved ones and peers paid tribute to her online today.
“Katie was a bright light, a magnificent glamour queen and a sweet, sweet person,” Gemma Sheree wrote.
“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,” Cherry Charleston added.
“The devastating loss of the iconic Vivian Mae Royale – Katie Lee is shattering. All the love for Tracey Tangey in this. She was loved by all of us but that was just a grain of sand compared to the love between the two of you. She will be so missed,” Icky K Spriggins wrote.
Police are still hunting for two men who are believed to be behind the arson attack.
CCTV caught the pair parking a dark-coloured car outside the home before getting out and pouring the accelerant into the home.
The targeted attack is believed to be a case of mistaken identity.
”This individual is completely innocent and should not have died. We have no history on this individual nor the family,” Arson and Explosives Squad Detective Inspector Chris Murray told reporters yesterday.
“These offenders have targeted the wrong address, which is nothing short of a tragedy.”
“What I will say to the offenders, whether they meant this or not, we are investigating a homicide now.”
Anyone who witnessed the incident, or who has CCTV or dashcam footage, is urged to contact police.
