Victoria Police have announced a $500,000 reward for information that helps catch the people behind a fatal house fire in Truganina, which claimed the life of 27-year-old Katie Tangey and her family’s golden retriever, Sonny.
Emergency services were called to the blaze on Dover Street around 2.30 am on Thursday, 16 January. Moments earlier, CCTV captured two people exiting a dark-coloured SUV—similar to a BMW X3 or X5—before a massive explosion lit up the property.
Katie, who was house-sitting for her brother and sister-in-law, called triple zero to report the fire, but tragically died at the scene alongside the dog. The three-storey townhouse was destroyed.
New footage from a ring camera shows two men fleeing the fire—one appearing to carry a jerry can. Another camera later captured the same SUV heading north on Forsyth Road just after 2.12 am.
Arson and Explosives Squad detectives, working with Taskforce Lunar, confirmed in February that the arson was likely linked to Melbourne’s ongoing illicit tobacco war. But in a devastating twist, police believe the attack was targeted at the wrong address.
“We know Katie was completely innocent and had nothing to do with the illicit tobacco trade,”
police said.
In April, detectives released a digitally enhanced composite image of a man they want to speak to. He is described as Middle Eastern in appearance, 25–30 years old, and slim. A search warrant executed in Dandenong on 12 June led to the seizure of mobile phones, which are now undergoing forensic analysis.
Investigators also received anonymous tips via Crime Stoppers, including one call that offered a nickname linked to a suspect. They are urging the caller to get back in touch and share more details.
Detective Inspector Chris Murray from the Arson and Explosives Squad said the attack remains a priority for Victoria Police.
“Those responsible for Katie’s death know they targeted the wrong house, and they have to live with the knowledge that they are responsible for the horrific death of a completely innocent young woman,” he said.
“We believe we know who directed this crime, and we know we are getting closer to proving who was responsible for carrying it out on the night.”
“$500K is a lot of money – hopefully it will encourage those people out there who do know something to do the right thing and come forward. Katie’s family deserve answers.”
He added: “These people need to be held accountable for the fact that they committed a crime which ultimately led to the death of a young woman who had her whole life ahead of her.
“I’d ask how these people can live with themselves knowing they’ve done that, and I would ask how people who know what the offenders have done can live with this knowledge and not come forward and assist police.
“This investigation remains a priority for Victoria Police. We know there are people in the community who have inside knowledge of the planning and directing as well as the identity of those who took part in the arson. We are doing everything we can to locate those people and hold them to account.”
The reward will be paid at the discretion of the Chief Commissioner for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the offenders. The Director of Public Prosecutions may also consider indemnity from prosecution for those who come forward with information identifying the main perpetrators.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers confidentially on 1800 333 000 or via www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
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