Reports have emerged this afternoon following the absolutely senseless murder of 17-year-old Melbourne schoolgirl Masa Vukotic, as a man who is believed to have killed Vukotic on Tuesday evening has reportedly turned himself into Sunshine Police.
Earlier today, police released CCTV footage of the prime suspect for the murder of Masa Vukotic in an attempt to locate and identify a man seen boarding a bus at Doncaster Road, close to where the 17-year-old was killed at 6:50 pm on Tuesday.
THIS is the man police wish to speak to over the murder of Masa Vukotic in Doncaster. Call Crimestoppers 1800 333 000 pic.twitter.com/mcJch9lDMN
— Kristy Mayr (@KristyMayr7) March 18, 2015
At a press conference held recently, Victoria Police confirmed that the man—in his twenties—who turned himself into the police was known to authorities, but was unknown to Masa Vukotic. Police were unable to release further information on the man’s criminal history.
Vukotic was walking through Koonung Creek Linear Reserve at around 6:50 pm on Tuesday when a man allegedly approached and stabbed the 17-year-old, who was reportedly wearing headphones at the time and may not have heard an approach.
Today, Victoria Homicide Squad chief Detective Inspector Mick Hughes told ABC radio that this case highlighted the need for women to take precautions when walking alone: “I suggest to people, particularly females, they shouldn’t be alone in parks,” Inspector Hughes said.
Hughes said at the press conference this afternoon, “We encourage women to walk together,” but added, “I think it’s a travesty we have to do that…We don’t want to live our lives in fear.”
Our thoughts are today with Masa Vukotic’s family, friends and school at this tragic time.
