Latest news with #Tangey


Daily Mirror
21-07-2025
- Daily Mirror
Burlesque dancer trapped in house set on fire begged for help in last phone call
Katie Tangey had been house sitting for her brother and his wife, who were away on their honeymoon, when the home she was in was firebombed in the early hours of the morning A burlesque dancer who was trapped in a burning home begged for help before she died in a bungled hit job. Katie Tangey, also know by her stage name Vivien May-Royale, died in a targeted house blaze in Truganina, in Melbourne, Australia, in the early morning of January 16. She alerted emergency services at about 2am and told the operator she could not get out of the house. She desperately tried to get out through a window on the top floor but ended up getting trapped before burning to death. Victoria Police today offered $500,000 AUD (£242,665) as a reward. The two men suspected of starting the fire remain on the run, although authorities believe gang lord Kaz Hamad is linked to the targeted hit. Ms Tangey had been house sitting with her brother's golden retriever, Sunny, who also died in the blaze at the three-storey townhouse. Her brother Ethan and his wife Brooke were on their honeymoon when the fire happened. "I'm six months into the investigation now and what I can say is this - yes, he's involved," homicide squad detective inspector Chris Murray said on Monday. "From the information we have, the illegal tobacco trade is front and centre as to why this incident occurred. "We know there was a theft of (Hamad's) commodities, being illegal tobacco and we know that he sought retribution. Unfortunately... the two buffoons who committed this act targeted the wrong address." The inspector said he did not suggest Hamad deliberately target Ms Tangey but alleged he requested the job be done, MailOnline reported. Inspector Murray said: "We know he's overseas. We're all ears,' he said. 'In fairness, I'd say even he would be disgusted as to what's transpired here. "If he's got any sense of decency, I'm sure he can get us on the phone and let us know the two individuals who actually did this. They should be held accountable. They should be held responsible and brought to justice so we can give some closure to Katie's family." Detectives have not revealed who they believe the real target of the firebombing was meant to be. Inspector Murray added: "We're very confident that we know the motive." He went on to describe Ms Tangey's horrific final moments, adding she was "completely innocent" and was asleep when the attack happened. "One can only imagine how scared she must have been," he said. Police have since revealed an anonymous call was made to Crime Stoppers in which police were given a nickname linked to the attack. Officers are now asking that person to contact them again in a bid they can get more information. Detectives previously shared an image of a man, described as slim, Middle Eastern and aged between 25 and 30, who they wish to speak to. Last month, officers raided a home in Dandenong, a Melbourne suburb, where they found a phone connected to the crime. CCTV recorded the moment in which the suspects fled the scene and travelled along Forsyth Road at about 2:12am. Any information can be given to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at


The Advertiser
21-07-2025
- The Advertiser
Fatal fire probe 'getting closer' to answers as major reward announced
Detectives investigating a fatal fire that killed a beloved burlesque performer say they are "getting closer" to proving who was responsible, with a $500,000 reward for information announced. Katie Tangey, 27, was housesitting for her brother and his wife in Truganina on the night of January 16 when two alleged arsonists set fire to the Dover Street property. Investigators believe the arsonists, who were allegedly associated with Victoria's illicit tobacco trade, set fire to the wrong home. "Those responsible for Katie's death know they targeted the wrong house," Detective Inspector Chris Murray said. "And they have to live with the knowledge that they are responsible for the horrific death of a completely innocent young woman," he said. Detectives were honing in on the alleged culprits after executing a search warrant in Dandenong on 12 June, police said. "We believe we know who directed this crime, and we know we are getting closer to proving who was responsible for carrying it out on the night," Detective Inspector Murray said. A reward of up to half a million dollars would be paid for information leading to the conviction of those responsible for Ms Tangey's death, police said. The reward would be paid at the discretion of the Chief Commissioner of Police. Detective Inspector Murray said, "$500,000 is a lot of money - hopefully it will encourage those people out there who do know something to do the right thing and come forward". "Katie's family deserves answers," he said. Indemnification from prosecution could be granted to anyone who provided detectives with the identity of the principal offender or offenders, police said. Two men were allegedly seen on security footage fleeing the scene of the fire, holding a jerry can. The footage was enhanced by investigators in an attempt to identify the men. A composite image of one of the men was released in April, showing a person of Middle Eastern appearance, aged between 25 and 30 years old and with a slim build. Police said that a number of anonymous reports had provided useful information for the investigation, and detectives are keen to hear from anyone who recognised the man. CCTV showed two people getting out of a dark-coloured car, similar to a BMW X3 or X5, outside the Truganina home shortly after 2am on January 16. Police said a "significant explosion" set fire to the house as the alleged arsonists left the area. Emergency services were called to the home at 2.30am by Ms Tangey, who told the Triple Zero operator that the house was engulfed by flames. The family's golden retriever, Sonny, also died in the fire. Detectives have conducted a six-month investigation to determine the motivation for the attack. Investigators have worked closely with Taskforce Lunar, which is probing Melbourne's illicit tobacco war, to confirm that the arson was linked to the ongoing dispute. Investigators believe that Ms Tangey was completely innocent and had nothing to do with the illicit tobacco trade, police said. "These people need to be held accountable for the fact that they committed a crime which ultimately led to the death of a young woman who had her whole life ahead of her," Detective Inspector Murray said. "I'd ask how these people can live with themselves knowing they've done that and I would ask how people who know what the offenders have done, how they can live with this knowledge and not come forward and assist police," he said. The investigation remains ongoing, police said. Any information given will be treated as confidential and may be given at any time to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at Detectives investigating a fatal fire that killed a beloved burlesque performer say they are "getting closer" to proving who was responsible, with a $500,000 reward for information announced. Katie Tangey, 27, was housesitting for her brother and his wife in Truganina on the night of January 16 when two alleged arsonists set fire to the Dover Street property. Investigators believe the arsonists, who were allegedly associated with Victoria's illicit tobacco trade, set fire to the wrong home. "Those responsible for Katie's death know they targeted the wrong house," Detective Inspector Chris Murray said. "And they have to live with the knowledge that they are responsible for the horrific death of a completely innocent young woman," he said. Detectives were honing in on the alleged culprits after executing a search warrant in Dandenong on 12 June, police said. "We believe we know who directed this crime, and we know we are getting closer to proving who was responsible for carrying it out on the night," Detective Inspector Murray said. A reward of up to half a million dollars would be paid for information leading to the conviction of those responsible for Ms Tangey's death, police said. The reward would be paid at the discretion of the Chief Commissioner of Police. Detective Inspector Murray said, "$500,000 is a lot of money - hopefully it will encourage those people out there who do know something to do the right thing and come forward". "Katie's family deserves answers," he said. Indemnification from prosecution could be granted to anyone who provided detectives with the identity of the principal offender or offenders, police said. Two men were allegedly seen on security footage fleeing the scene of the fire, holding a jerry can. The footage was enhanced by investigators in an attempt to identify the men. A composite image of one of the men was released in April, showing a person of Middle Eastern appearance, aged between 25 and 30 years old and with a slim build. Police said that a number of anonymous reports had provided useful information for the investigation, and detectives are keen to hear from anyone who recognised the man. CCTV showed two people getting out of a dark-coloured car, similar to a BMW X3 or X5, outside the Truganina home shortly after 2am on January 16. Police said a "significant explosion" set fire to the house as the alleged arsonists left the area. Emergency services were called to the home at 2.30am by Ms Tangey, who told the Triple Zero operator that the house was engulfed by flames. The family's golden retriever, Sonny, also died in the fire. Detectives have conducted a six-month investigation to determine the motivation for the attack. Investigators have worked closely with Taskforce Lunar, which is probing Melbourne's illicit tobacco war, to confirm that the arson was linked to the ongoing dispute. Investigators believe that Ms Tangey was completely innocent and had nothing to do with the illicit tobacco trade, police said. "These people need to be held accountable for the fact that they committed a crime which ultimately led to the death of a young woman who had her whole life ahead of her," Detective Inspector Murray said. "I'd ask how these people can live with themselves knowing they've done that and I would ask how people who know what the offenders have done, how they can live with this knowledge and not come forward and assist police," he said. The investigation remains ongoing, police said. Any information given will be treated as confidential and may be given at any time to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at Detectives investigating a fatal fire that killed a beloved burlesque performer say they are "getting closer" to proving who was responsible, with a $500,000 reward for information announced. Katie Tangey, 27, was housesitting for her brother and his wife in Truganina on the night of January 16 when two alleged arsonists set fire to the Dover Street property. Investigators believe the arsonists, who were allegedly associated with Victoria's illicit tobacco trade, set fire to the wrong home. "Those responsible for Katie's death know they targeted the wrong house," Detective Inspector Chris Murray said. "And they have to live with the knowledge that they are responsible for the horrific death of a completely innocent young woman," he said. Detectives were honing in on the alleged culprits after executing a search warrant in Dandenong on 12 June, police said. "We believe we know who directed this crime, and we know we are getting closer to proving who was responsible for carrying it out on the night," Detective Inspector Murray said. A reward of up to half a million dollars would be paid for information leading to the conviction of those responsible for Ms Tangey's death, police said. The reward would be paid at the discretion of the Chief Commissioner of Police. Detective Inspector Murray said, "$500,000 is a lot of money - hopefully it will encourage those people out there who do know something to do the right thing and come forward". "Katie's family deserves answers," he said. Indemnification from prosecution could be granted to anyone who provided detectives with the identity of the principal offender or offenders, police said. Two men were allegedly seen on security footage fleeing the scene of the fire, holding a jerry can. The footage was enhanced by investigators in an attempt to identify the men. A composite image of one of the men was released in April, showing a person of Middle Eastern appearance, aged between 25 and 30 years old and with a slim build. Police said that a number of anonymous reports had provided useful information for the investigation, and detectives are keen to hear from anyone who recognised the man. CCTV showed two people getting out of a dark-coloured car, similar to a BMW X3 or X5, outside the Truganina home shortly after 2am on January 16. Police said a "significant explosion" set fire to the house as the alleged arsonists left the area. Emergency services were called to the home at 2.30am by Ms Tangey, who told the Triple Zero operator that the house was engulfed by flames. The family's golden retriever, Sonny, also died in the fire. Detectives have conducted a six-month investigation to determine the motivation for the attack. Investigators have worked closely with Taskforce Lunar, which is probing Melbourne's illicit tobacco war, to confirm that the arson was linked to the ongoing dispute. Investigators believe that Ms Tangey was completely innocent and had nothing to do with the illicit tobacco trade, police said. "These people need to be held accountable for the fact that they committed a crime which ultimately led to the death of a young woman who had her whole life ahead of her," Detective Inspector Murray said. "I'd ask how these people can live with themselves knowing they've done that and I would ask how people who know what the offenders have done, how they can live with this knowledge and not come forward and assist police," he said. The investigation remains ongoing, police said. Any information given will be treated as confidential and may be given at any time to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at Detectives investigating a fatal fire that killed a beloved burlesque performer say they are "getting closer" to proving who was responsible, with a $500,000 reward for information announced. Katie Tangey, 27, was housesitting for her brother and his wife in Truganina on the night of January 16 when two alleged arsonists set fire to the Dover Street property. Investigators believe the arsonists, who were allegedly associated with Victoria's illicit tobacco trade, set fire to the wrong home. "Those responsible for Katie's death know they targeted the wrong house," Detective Inspector Chris Murray said. "And they have to live with the knowledge that they are responsible for the horrific death of a completely innocent young woman," he said. Detectives were honing in on the alleged culprits after executing a search warrant in Dandenong on 12 June, police said. "We believe we know who directed this crime, and we know we are getting closer to proving who was responsible for carrying it out on the night," Detective Inspector Murray said. A reward of up to half a million dollars would be paid for information leading to the conviction of those responsible for Ms Tangey's death, police said. The reward would be paid at the discretion of the Chief Commissioner of Police. Detective Inspector Murray said, "$500,000 is a lot of money - hopefully it will encourage those people out there who do know something to do the right thing and come forward". "Katie's family deserves answers," he said. Indemnification from prosecution could be granted to anyone who provided detectives with the identity of the principal offender or offenders, police said. Two men were allegedly seen on security footage fleeing the scene of the fire, holding a jerry can. The footage was enhanced by investigators in an attempt to identify the men. A composite image of one of the men was released in April, showing a person of Middle Eastern appearance, aged between 25 and 30 years old and with a slim build. Police said that a number of anonymous reports had provided useful information for the investigation, and detectives are keen to hear from anyone who recognised the man. CCTV showed two people getting out of a dark-coloured car, similar to a BMW X3 or X5, outside the Truganina home shortly after 2am on January 16. Police said a "significant explosion" set fire to the house as the alleged arsonists left the area. Emergency services were called to the home at 2.30am by Ms Tangey, who told the Triple Zero operator that the house was engulfed by flames. The family's golden retriever, Sonny, also died in the fire. Detectives have conducted a six-month investigation to determine the motivation for the attack. Investigators have worked closely with Taskforce Lunar, which is probing Melbourne's illicit tobacco war, to confirm that the arson was linked to the ongoing dispute. Investigators believe that Ms Tangey was completely innocent and had nothing to do with the illicit tobacco trade, police said. "These people need to be held accountable for the fact that they committed a crime which ultimately led to the death of a young woman who had her whole life ahead of her," Detective Inspector Murray said. "I'd ask how these people can live with themselves knowing they've done that and I would ask how people who know what the offenders have done, how they can live with this knowledge and not come forward and assist police," he said. The investigation remains ongoing, police said. Any information given will be treated as confidential and may be given at any time to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at

Sydney Morning Herald
21-07-2025
- Sydney Morning Herald
$500,000 reward in case of ‘tobacco war' firebomb that killed innocent burlesque performer
Six months after the deadly firebombing that claimed the life of burlesque performer Katie Tangey, police have announced a $500,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible. Tangey, 27, became the first innocent bystander to die in Victoria's escalating 'tobacco wars'. Emergency services were called to a house fire on Dover Street in Truganina around 2.30am on January 16. Tangey, who had been house sitting for her brother who was away on his honeymoon, called triple-0 to say the home was engulfed in fire. Tangey and the family's golden retriever, Sonny, died inside the three-storey townhouse. CCTV footage released by police as part of their investigation shows two people arriving shortly after 2am on the morning of the fire in a dark-coloured SUV, believed to be similar to a BMW X3 or X5. A ring camera at the Dover Street house also captures the moment the house is engulfed, before two men, one carrying what appears to be a jerry can, flee the scene. Police believe the firebombing was a targeted arson attack, but the offenders struck the wrong home and intended to target a different unit in the same complex.

The Age
21-07-2025
- The Age
$500,000 reward in ‘tobacco war' firebomb case that killed innocent burlesque performer
Six months after the deadly firebombing that claimed the life of burlesque performer Katie Tangey, police have announced a $500,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible. Tangey, 27, became the first innocent bystander to die in Victoria's escalating 'tobacco wars'. Emergency services were called to a house fire on Dover Street in Truganina around 2.30am on January 16. Tangey, who had been house sitting for her brother who was away on his honeymoon, called triple-0 to say the home was engulfed in fire. Tangey and the family's golden retriever, Sonny, died inside the three-storey townhouse. CCTV footage released by police as part of their investigation shows two people arriving shortly after 2am on the morning of the fire in a dark-coloured SUV, believed to be similar to a BMW X3 or X5. A ring camera at the Dover Street house also captures the moment the house is engulfed, before two men, one carrying what appears to be a jerry can, flee the scene. Police believe the firebombing was a targeted arson attack, but the offenders struck the wrong home and intended to target a different unit in the same complex.


West Australian
21-07-2025
- West Australian
'Horrific': $500k reward to find arson killers
It's hoped a $500,000 reward will help find those responsible for a bungled arson attack that claimed the life of an innocent woman who was house-sitting. Katie Tangey, 27, died along with her family's dog after arsonists hit the wrong address while she was minding the home in Truganina in Melbourne's west, in the early hours of January 16. Shortly after 2am, two people were captured on CCTV getting out of a dark-coloured vehicle - similar to a BMW X3 or X5 – outside the address. There's an explosion and the pair leave the area. Ms Tangey was inside the three-storey property, which belonged to her brother and his wife. Anonymous calls to Crime Stoppers provided police with some information, including one in which the caller gave a name believed to be a pseudonym or nickname. Investigators want that caller to make contact and provide them with more information. Detective Inspector Chris Murray said police are close to solving the crime. "Those responsible for Katie's death know they targeted the wrong house and they have to live with the knowledge that they are responsible for the horrific death of a completely innocent young woman," Det Insp Murray said. "We believe we know who directed this crime, and we know we are getting closer to proving who was responsible for carrying it out on the night." He called on anyone with information to come forward. "Five hundred thousand dollars is a lot of money – hopefully it will encourage those people out there who do know something to do the right thing and come forward. Katie's family deserve answers," he said. Detectives confirmed in February that Victoria Police believe the arson attack was likely linked to the illicit tobacco dispute in Melbourne. More than 100 tobacco shops and other businesses have been firebombed in the conflict over multimillion-dollar profits, which has also involved attempts to extort individual store owners. Investigators believe the arson that claimed Ms Tangey's life had the hallmarks of a targeted attack but hit the wrong address. She had nothing to do with the illicit tobacco trade, police have confirmed. Police previously executed a search warrant at a Dandenong home in June, when they seized a number of mobile phones which are being forensically examined. In April, police released a computer-generated image of a man they believe may have been involved in the incident. He is described as 25 - 30, with a slim build and of Middle Eastern appearance. The reward will be paid at the discretion of the chief commissioner of police for information leading to the apprehension and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the death of Ms Tangey. The director of public prosecutions will also consider granting indemnification from prosecution to any person who provides information.