Warning – this post discusses disturbing content including child abuse and rape
On October 24, 2015, Australia was shocked by the rape and murder of 11-year-old Wangaratta girl, Zoe Buttigieg.
The young girl was found dead in her bedroom at 11am.
For the first time in almost two years, Zoe ‘s mother, Janelle Saunders has broken her silence and revealed what happened when she found her daughter’s body that morning.
Speaking to Nine News, Saunders said her daughter was very pale and her lips were blue.
“The worst was pulling the rest of the doona down and she had no clothes on, and I just remember screaming ‘where are her pants, why doesn’t she have any clothes on’. I just thought this can’t be happening.”
The previous night, Saunders had four friends visiting her home, including Bowe Maddigan who would later be convicted with the rape and murder of Zoe.
Tragically, Saunders also revealed during the interview that Maddigan went missing that night and they searched her entire home for him – every room but Zoe’s.
“That decision haunts me every day because if I’d opened that door she’d still be here,” she admitted.
Homicide squad detectives arrested Maddigan on Sunday morning before Zoe was found dead in her bedroom at 11am.
The man was charged with one count of murder, one count of sexual penetration of a child under 16 and one count of committing an indecent act with a child under the age of 16.
The Age reported the man was found wandering barefoot along the Hume Freeway, just 10 kilometres from Zoe’s home, and was arrested by police at 6.30am Sunday due to his erratic and disruptive behaviour.
Zoe’s body was found just hours later.
Although he was in attendance at the gathering, police alleged that the man was not particularly close to Zoe or her mother.
Just hours before police and paramedics arrived on the scene at Saunders’ home, neighbours reported hearing a “loud, wailing scream” from the home, which is believed to have been made by Zoe’s distraught mother.
Following her daughter’s tragic death, she has released a statement thanking the authorities and community for their support.
“Zoe’s family would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank Wangaratta police, the homicide squad and paramedics who attended the scene,” the statement read.
“Their continuing support during this terrible time in our lives has just been extraordinary.”
“We are overwhelmed by the community support and would like to say a huge thank you to those who organised and attended the candlelight vigil at the park that Zoe always enjoyed playing at,” read the statement.
“We are so very touched and thankful for all the personal messages and tributes and for the concern which has been shown for the well-being of the family,”
“Zoe’s mother would like to personally thank all who have stood by her,” it concluded.
An impromptu candlelight vigil was gathered in a local park on that weel in memory of Zoe, with more than 500 in attendance. Well-wishers and neighbours left flowers, toys and cards at both the vigil and in front of Zoe’s house.
A fundraiser and memorial was planned for November 20th at the Wangaratta race courses to honour the memory of Zoe.
Harley-Davidson rides, music, food, auctions and stalls are all expected to feature at the event.
All the proceeds went towards Zoe’s family.
If this post has affected you in anyway, or you would like to talk to a counselor about rape, sexual assault or domestic violence, call 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732.
