The father of a young boy whose mother was the victim of murder-suicide, has rallied around his son and other heartbroken loved ones in the wake of the tragedy.
Rachel McKenna, 35, was found dead at the Ascot Vale unit in Melbourne’s north-west she shared with her seven-year-old son and now dead partner, just after 4pm on Friday.
The boyfriend of the mother-of-one, who is yet to be named, fled the scene and drove along the Princes Freeway towards Little River.
Police found the man with ‘critical injuries’ below a bridge on the Princes Freeway where he died about two hours after Ms McKenna’s body was discovered.
‘I saw paramedics desperately trying to save him, at the time I was so upset seeing it, now hearing what he did… that poor woman,’ one witness said.
A neighbour told the Daily Mail Australia he recognised Rachel and her son but never saw the man who they said ‘was always at work’.
He told police he was home during the murder but ‘strangely never heard anything’.
On Tuesday, tributes flowed for Ms McKenna who was remembered as ‘dearly loved’ and ‘completely devoted’ to her seven-year-old son.
Mother-of-one Rachel McKenna, 35, was found dead at an Ascot Vale unit in Melbourne ‘s north-west on Friday
The boyfriend of the mother-of-one, who is yet to be named, fled the scene and drove along the Princes Freeway towards Little River before he died (pictured)
Tributes flowed for Ms McKenna who was remembered as ‘dearly loved’ and ‘completely devoted’ to her seven-year-old son
Homicide detectives have launched a probe into Ms McKenna’s death, with police still investigating the suspected murder scene over the weekend.
Ms McKenna’s body was discovered at a property on Ormond Rd with police having the major thoroughfare partially cordoned off on Saturday morning.
Family and friends have started a floral tribute outside the unit, where Ms McKenna was killed which is growing by the day.
It’s understood that family, including the father of Ms McKenna’s young son are in mourning together.
Ms McKenna’s sister Meg Trotter posted an emotional tribute on social media earlier this week.
‘We are absolutely devastated to let everyone know that we lost Rachel on Friday the 31st,’ Ms Trotter wrote. ‘Our family is broken with grief.
‘Rachel was a deeply-loved daughter of Tony and Lee, big sister to Tom, Rory and Meg, a doting aunty, a dear friend to many, and a completely devoted mother to her seven year old.
‘She was generous, vibrant, loyal, and looked forward to many adventures with her precious son.
The man, who is yet to be identified, had earlier murdered New Zealand-born Ms McKenna before fleeing the scene
Ms McKenna, 35, was found dead at this unit in Melbourne’s north-west
Family and friends have started a floral tribute outside the unit where Ms McKenna was killed which is growing by the day
It’s understood family including the father of Ms McKenna’s son are in mourning together
‘Our darling girl is already so missed, forever leaving a hole in our hearts and lives. Her death was an unnecessary tragedy, one we never dreamed would impact our family.
‘Something must be done to stem violence against women in this country.’
Ms Trotter also asked friends and supporters to ‘keep our family in your prayers’.
Ms Trotter said the family are planning a farewell for Ms McKenna and ‘will post these details soon’.
‘We love you forever, our beautiful Rach,’ she said.
Ms Trotter and her sister were seen enjoying happier times at a Taylor Swift concert in Melbourne less than 12 months before her suspected brutal murder.
A GoFundMe appeal to raise money for Ms McKenna’s young son was launched by the family on Tuesday afternoon.
The family hoped to raise $10,000 to cover a memorial service and help support her son in the future.
The scene where Ms McKenna’s killer’s died is pictured
Ms McKenna (right) grew up in Palmerston North in New Zealand but moved to Melbourne where other relatives lived
Meg Trotter and her sister Rachel (right) were seen enjoying happier times at the Taylor Swift Melbourne concert less than 12 months before her suspected brutal murder
Heartfelt tributes to Ms McKenna continues to grow outside the home
Donations had hit almost $30,000 on Wednesday night.
Ms McKenna grew up in Palmerston North in New Zealand but moved to Melbourne where she and other relatives lived.
It’s understood Ms McKenna and her suspected killer had been in a relationship until recently.
A Victoria Police spokesman confirmed the investigation was still ongoing.
‘The exact circumstances surrounding the incidents continue to be investigated, however at this stage detectives are not looking for anyone else in relation to the matters,’ the spokesman said.
‘Police also believe the parties involved were known to each other.’
Anyone with further information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.
If you or someone you knows needs confidential support, call 1800 RESPECT, Lifeline 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636.
