How a 'broken' husband who found his three kids and wife dead in the family home after she slaughtered them all and killed herself 'cried his heart out' with the killer's parents after tragedy that's shocked a nation
A father who came home to find his wife had murdered their children and killed herself is still in disbelief, but has cried his heart out with her parents.
Tomislav Perinovic found his 42-year-old wife Katie and their children Claire, 7, Anna, 5, and Matthew, 3, dead inside their Tullamarine home in Melbourne's north-west on Thursday afternoon.
Neighbours said the 48-year-old was sitting ashen-faced in his front garden, waiting for the police as the bodies lay inside.
Investigators on Friday revealed police have formed the view that Mr Perinovic's wife was responsible for the deaths of her own children. The father was released without charge and officers do not believe he or anyone else was involved in the awful tragedy.
Frankie Franjic, a friend of the family, said there had been no warning signs before the murder-suicide which hit Mr Perinovic hard.
Tomislav Perinovic, 48, with his wife Katie, 42. There had been no warning before the murder-suicide which has hit Mr Perinovic hard. Friends say he is in 'disbelief' and is 'totally broken'
The shattered father pictured with his children and wife, now deceased
The Perinovic family were much loved in the community and had lived on the same Tullamarine street since their children were born
'He is a broken man – totally broken,' he told The Herald Sun.
Family, friends, neighbours and the Croatian community are now rallying around Mr Perinovic, who was said to be highly family-oriented and is completely devastated by his loss.
Mr Perinovic joined his deceased wife's parents on Saturday for a sad reunion where they hugged and supported each other, and agreed on funeral arrangements.
'It is a very difficult situation. They cried their hearts out,' Mr Franjic said.
'They were giving each other hugs and condolences. It was a beautiful reunion under such awful circumstances.'
The killer's parents have now accepted the situation, Mr Franjic said, but Mr Perinovic is still living in 'disbelief' that the tragedy even occured.
Mr Franjic said Mr Perinovic, a Ford technician, had always put his family first, and that his priority had always been his kids.
Mr Perinovic is receiving counselling to help him work through his sudden loss.
Neighbours are watching over a shrine at the family's home where notes, cards, flowers, even teddy bears are being left by heartbroken friends, colleagues and community members
The crime has rocked the close-knit Croatian community who are doing their best to support the remaining family.
St Christopher's Parish priest Peter Hoang, who ministers to the primary school where seven-year-old Claire Perinovic went, called on the community to pray for the family 'and especially for Tom'.
Anna was due to join her sister at St Christopher's Catholic School, Airport West in February, starting prep - but now she never will.
Father Hoang said the children were 'angels', NCA NewsWire reported.
'They were pure. They were innocent,' he said.
School Principal Adrian Glasby said on Friday that Claire had been kind and diligent, and the school was looking forward to welcoming her younger sister, Anna.
'Our school community is deeply shocked to receive this heartbreaking news and extends sincere sympathy and prayerful support to the Perinovic family, and all who are struggling to comprehend this tragic loss of life,' he said.
The school has talked to parents about the tragedy.
Tomislav Perinovic pictured with his wife Katie and one of their three children. Police said there was no history of family violence before the tragedy which came without warning
Katie Perinovic pictured with the three children. All of them are now dead. Little Anna, 5, was excited and looking forward to joining her big sister Claire at St Christopher's Catholic School
Mr Perinovic's work colleagues have also expressed their deepest sympathies for the family, with Ford Australia offering counselling to both Tomislav and his colleagues.
Victoria Police acting deputy commissioner Robert Hill said it was 'heartwrenching' case and police would work to support the families in the coming weeks.
'I know there will be many people in the community struggling to understand and come to terms with this tragedy,' he said.
The Perinovics had lived on Burgess St since their children were born and neighbours have been holding a vigil outside the house since the tragedy on Thursday.
Children's drawings were seen stuck on the window at the scene of the awful tragedy
Community members and those who knew the family have left notes and flowers. as they struggle to comprehend the tragedy.
A kindergarten teacher has described in a heartwarming note the moment last year she told the eldest victim of the Tullamarine tragedy, Claire, 7, that she would be teaching her younger sister, Anna, 5, in her first year of primary school.
'In the last week of school, you walked with me while I was on yard duty and excitedly told me what you hoped Santa would bring you. I told you how happy I was to have your sister in my class,' the note read.
The note also revealed Claire's calm nature, love of dancing and her 'wonderful illustrations' - evidence pinned to the front windows of the house where their bodies were found on Thursday.
A mourner breaks down in tears on Saturday outside the house where the bodies of Katie Perinovic, 42, and her children were discovered
A note left among the tributes by mourners outside the house in Tullamarine, Melbourne where the bodies of the mother and children were found
A drawing of the Earth, scribbled by oldest daughter Claire, was stuck there. 'Save the world,' it said, alongside a love heart. A faded picture of a rainbow sat next to it.
Days after the horror incident, the collection of flowers and letters is still growing.
Three more teddy bears – two pink, and one blue - sit beneath the growing line of flowers in the quiet suburban street.
Friends of the family returned to the house on Saturday morning, collecting items and removing the family Skoda.
'You will all be sadly missed. Our hearts are broken… our kids loved playing with your beautiful kids always, we will remember you,' one letter read.
Crime scene cleaners at the home on Friday walk past children's drawings taped to the window
Mourners pay their respects at the home in Tullamarine on Friday, above
Paramedics found the bodies of Katie Perinovic, 42, and her three children - Claire, seven, Anna, five, and Matthew, three, inside their Tullamarine home on Thursday at 12.30pm after their father, Tomislav Perinovic made the frantic Triple-0 call.
The 'depressed' Melbourne mother quit her job as a physiotherapist in nearby Glenroy just three months before the tragedy.
Friends said Ms Perinovic (nee Blazevic), had grown up in Tullamarine and had family living nearby.
Claire, Anna and Matthew (left to right) are pictured baking with their mother
Tributes left at the Tullamarine home as neighbours keep watch over the shrine
Neighbour John Constantino, who spoke to her the night before she died, said she had seemed totally normal.
She had walked past as he watered the garden and they spoke about the weather.
Police investigators believe Katie is responsible for the deaths of her children and do not believe Tomislav or anyone else was involved in the tragedy.
'Investigators do not believe the 48-year-old man was involved in the incident and police are not looking for anyone further in relation to the matter,' a police statement said.
'Homicide Squad investigators have formed the preliminary view that the 42-year-old woman is responsible for all four deaths and on completion of their investigation, a report will be provided for consideration of the coroner.'
IF YOU SUFFER ANXIETY OR DEPRESSION - REACH OUT
It is normal to feel down from time to time, people with depression may feel persistently unhappy for weeks or months on end.
Depression can affect anyone at any age and is fairly common – approximately one in ten people are likely to experience it at some point in their life.
Depression is a genuine health condition which people cannot just ignore or 'snap out of it'.
Symptoms and effects vary, but can include constantly feeling upset or hopeless, or losing interest in things you used to enjoy.
It can also cause physical symptoms such as problems sleeping, tiredness, having a low appetite or sex drive, and even feeling physical pain.
In extreme cases it can lead to suicidal thoughts.
Traumatic events can trigger it, and people with a family history may be more at risk.
It is important to see a doctor if you think you or someone you know has depression, as it can be managed with lifestyle changes, therapy or medication.
Source: NHS Choices
RESOURCES: if you are feeling anxious and depressed
- Talk to your doctor
- Call BeyondBlue 24/7 for advice and support on 1300 224 636
- BeyondBlue runs a daily webchat from 3pm to 12am
- Call Lifeline on 13 11 44
- Seeking a support group can also help: you are not alone and they can help you to discuss your situation in a safe space
In Victoria, contact the Anxiety Disorders Association of Victoria which can help with anxiety and depression support. Call: (03) 9853 8089 from 10.30am to 4pm Wednesdays to Fridays or visit them on Facebook