New leads in fatal Truganina house fire
Detectives from the Arson and Explosives Squad have executed a search warrant at a Dandenong residence today as part of their ongoing investigation into a fatal house fire in Truganina in January. Though no arrests were made, several mobile phones were seized from the property for forensic analysis.
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The operation follows a public appeal for information and an information caravan held on Dover Street in Truganina in April. Anonymous reports to Crime Stoppers have provided valuable leads, including a specific call with a pseudonym or nickname. Investigators are still urging this particular caller to provide further information.
The Arson and Explosives Squad detectives, working closely with Taskforce Lunar since February, believe that the arson attack is likely connected to an illicit tobacco dispute. Information received suggests it was a targeted attack but at the wrong address.
The victim, Katie Tangey, was found innocent and not involved in the illicit tobacco trade. The 27-year-old Hoppers Crossing woman was housesitting a family member’s property when the fire occurred. Tangey and a golden retriever died at the scene, and the three-storey townhouse was completely destroyed.
CCTV footage shows two individuals exiting a dark-coloured vehicle, similar to a BMW X3 or X5, parked outside the address shortly after 2 am on Thursday, 16 January. A significant explosion then occurs, and the pair leave the area. The same vehicle is captured on CCTV travelling north on Forsyth Road in Truganina at approximately 2.12 am. A ring camera at the Dover Street house also captures the moment the house is engulfed in flames, before two men, one carrying what appears to be a jerry can, flee the scene.
Detective Inspector Chris Murray, of the Arson & Explosives Squad, states, “We are absolutely determined to provide what closure and justice we can to the family of Katie Tangey. We know this is solvable, and we know we are getting closer. If you know absolutely anything, I cannot implore you enough to find it in yourself to do the right thing and come forward.”
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
