Couple Identified in Suspected Murder-Suicide at Rural Victorian Property
The two individuals who died in a suspected murder-suicide at a rural property in Victoria's Latrobe Valley have been formally identified by authorities. Police discovered the bodies of Aaron Hammond, aged 46, and his partner Chamindika Jayawardena, aged 47, inside their residence on McGraths Track in Hernes Oak on Monday.
Neighbours Report Hearing Gunshots Over Weekend
It is understood that the pair died over the weekend, with neighbours recalling hearing two distinct gunshots within approximately thirty seconds of each other late on Saturday night. Some residents initially mistook the sounds for fireworks, while others assumed it was someone shooting at wildlife.
Brenno Amato, a neighbour, stated he did not think much of the noises at the time. "I just thought it was people having a few shots at foxes out the back," he told Nine News. "I didn't really take much to it until Monday when all the cops and everyone was here and we sort of put two and two together."
Tributes to a "Lovely Couple" Who Often Holidayed Overseas
Mr Amato described the couple as lovely people who frequently travelled abroad on holidays. He had known Mr Hammond for about eighteen months, with the deceased allowing him to graze cattle on his property. "Chami would always walk our street," he added, referring to Ms Jayawardena.
According to social media profiles, the couple had been in a relationship for at least two years. Friends of Ms Jayawardena travelled from Melbourne on Tuesday to collect the couple's cat, describing her as "like family." Mr Amato mentioned he last spoke to his neighbour just days before the tragic incident.
Police Investigation Continues as Circumstances Remain Unclear
Victoria Police have confirmed that investigations are ongoing. A police statement read: "The exact circumstances surrounding the deaths are yet to be determined. At this stage, investigators are not looking for anyone else in relation to the incident."
Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers anonymously. The community in Hernes Oak remains in shock as details of this distressing event continue to emerge.
