Police have formed the preliminary view that a Melbourne mother was “responsible” for the deaths of her three young children before killing herself in a suspected murder-suicide.
Officers were called to the Tullamarine home on Thursday at about 12.20pm, where they discovered the bodies of 42-year-old Katie Perinovic, her three-year-old son Matthew and two daughters Claire and Anna, aged seven and five.
The husband and father, 48-year-old Tomislav Perinovic, was interviewed by homicide detectives on Thursday night and released without charge.
Police on Friday said they had spoken with a large number of people, including the family, friends and neighbours of the deceased, and the scene had been subject to forensic examination.
They said homicide squad investigators had formed the preliminary view that Ms Perinovic was responsible for all four deaths and on completion of their investigation, a report would be prepared for the coroner.
Acting Deputy Commissioner Robert Hill said police would be working to support the families of those involved over the coming weeks to ensure they had the help they needed.
“I know there will be many people in the community struggling to understand and come to terms with this tragedy,” Mr Hill said in a statement.
“This has also been an incredibly difficult time for both the police and paramedics who responded and attended the scene yesterday.
“This has been an incredibly heart wrenching experience for all concerned.”
Forensic officers are seen at work at a crime scene in Tullamarine.
AAP
Police previously said there was no history of violence associated with the family.
The incident comes days after the deaths of a woman and three children following a house fire in the south-eastern suburb of Glen Waverly on the weekend.
Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467 and Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 (up to age 25).
More information about mental health is available at Beyond Blue.
