In a tragic incident in South Morang, Melbourne’s northeast, Nikita Azzopardi, a 35-year-old woman, was found stabbed to death in her home on Monday morning.
Nikita’s family had last seen her at a weekend birthday celebration, but when she stopped answering phone calls and messages, her brother, Shaun Azzopardi, decided to check in on her.
Shaun described the distressing moment he arrived at her residence on Reid Street, where he and his father had attempted to contact her the previous night, concerned after noticing the lights were on but receiving no response.
Returning to the home on Monday morning, Shaun was reportedly told that his sister was resting and unwell. However, alarmed by the circumstances, he entered the house and made his way upstairs, where he was confronted with the horrifying discovery of his sister’s lifeless body.
Recalling the moment, he shared with police, “I just can’t get that image out of my head.” Nikita’s death has devastated her family, especially Shaun, who spoke of her as “a gentle soul” who always looked for the good in others and offered a compassionate ear to those around her.
In the aftermath, police swiftly arrived at the scene, where they arrested a 33-year-old man, reportedly Nikita’s boyfriend, on a nearby street. According to report, the man, who is not known to law enforcement, is cooperating with police as they continue their investigation.
Authorities have launched a homicide investigation, closing off a section of the street and expecting detectives to remain on site well into the night as they examine the circumstances surrounding her death.
Shaun’s grief is palpable as he reflects on the sudden loss of his sister, a woman he describes as generous and understanding. “You never think it’s going to happen to you, to your sister or your brother,” he said, grappling with the reality of her passing.
