A husband found dead with multiple stab wounds at a suburban home may have disturbed a break-and-enter attempt, police say.
The 57-year-old man’s body was found at a Warana residence by a neighbour, sparking a homicide investigation.
The victim has been named in the media as Zdravko Bilic.
The man’s wife, businesswoman Gry Tomte, was not present at the home and became concerned when she had not heard from him, police said.
A neighbour was asked to check on the husband and he was discovered unresponsive at the home about 7.30pm on Monday.
After emergency services were called, police said the man was found to have two stab wounds to the stomach.
“One of the lines of inquiry is that he’s disturbed a break and enter and we’ll continue to follow that,” Detective Inspector Chris Toohey told reporters on Tuesday.
Anyone in the area from 11pm on Sunday to 7.30pm on Monday who has information or CCTV footage should contact police.
“There’s a number of lines of inquiry and at this stage we’re just looking for more assistance from the community,” Det Insp Toohey said.
The “well-loved” man’s death had rocked the community, he said.
“He was a valued member of the community. Any death is terrible and it has shocked the neighbours,” he said.
“He is a community-minded person that was well loved in the area.”
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day. Quote this reference number: QP2501234771.
Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online.