The suspected murderer who is supposed to have killed his former girlfriend before taking his own life has been identified as a Melbourne trader.
Daniel Bennett was found on the side of a highway two hours after Rachel McKenna, 35, was murdered in an Ascot Vale unit in the northwest of Melbourne just after 4 p.m. on Friday 31 January.
It is understood that Bennett, Mrs. McKenna and her seven-year-old son all lived in the Ormond RD unit.
A neighbor told The Daily Mail Australia that he recognized Rachel and her son, but could not identify Bennett that they said 'was always at work'.
Sources close to Bennett's family confirmed his identity to Daily Mail Australia and said he worked as a traditional.
The neighbor told the police that he was at home during the murder, but “strangely enough never heard anything.”
The police believe that Bennett killed the mother of one and then fled the stage and drove along the highway from the Prinsen to Little River.
He was found with 'critical injuries' after he had fallen from a bridge on the highway of the Prinsen, where he died shortly afterwards.
Daniel Bennett (center) is suspected of killing mother Rachel McKenna (left)
Mrs. McKenna (photo) was found dead on Friday afternoon in an Ascot Vale house in the northwest of Melbourne
Mrs. McKenna's body was discovered in this characteristic on Ormond RD in the northwest of Melbourne
“I desperately saw paramedici trying to save him when I was so upset to see it, now heard what he was doing … that poor woman,” said a witness.
The tribute flowed this week to Mrs. McKenna, who was remembered as 'very loved' and 'fully dedicated' to her seven -year -old son.
Murder detectives have launched a probe in the death of Mrs. McKenna, where the police are still investigating the suspected murder scene during the weekend.
Mrs. McKenna's body was discovered on a building on Ormond RD where the police had the large main road, partially deposited last Saturday morning.
Family and friends have started with a flower tribute that grows day outside the unit where Mrs. McKenna was killed.
It is understanding that family including the father of the young son of Mrs. McKenna mourns together.
Mrs. McKenna's sister Meg Trotter posted an emotional tribute on social media earlier this week.
“We are absolutely destroyed to let everyone know that we lost Rachel the 31st on Friday,” wrote Mrs. Trotter. “Our family is broken with sorrow.
Bennett (left) killed himself after the body of Mrs. McKenna was found
Murder detectives have launched a probe in the death of Mrs. McKenna, where the police are still investigating the suspected murder scene during the weekend
Mrs. McKenna (photo) was a fully dedicated mother for her son
'Rachel was a deeply beloved daughter of Tony and Lee, big sister of Tom, Rory and Meg, a loving aunt, a good friend for many and a fully dedicated mother to her seven -year -old.
“She was generous, lively, loyal and looked forward to many adventures with her dear son.
'Our sweet girl has already been missed and leaves a hole in our hearts and lives forever. Her death was an unnecessary tragedy, one that we never dreamed would influence our family.
“Something needs to be done to turn violence against women in this country.”
Mrs. Trotter also asked friends and supporters to 'keep our family in your prayers'.
Mrs. Trotter said that the family is goodbye to Mrs. McKenna and 'these details will post soon'.
“We love you forever, our beautiful Rach,” she said.
Mrs. Trotter and her sister saw enjoying happier times during a Taylor Swift concert in Melbourne less than 12 months before her suspected brutal murder.
The Vrijs Highweg Bridge where Bennett fell to his death
Family and friends have started with a flower tribute outside the unit, where Mrs. McKenna was killed that grows by the day
It is understanding that family, including the father of the young son of Mrs. McKenna
A GoFundMe occupation to raise money for Mrs. McKenna's young son was launched by the family on Tuesday afternoon.
The family hoped to collect $ 10,000 to cover a memorial service and to support her son in the future. Donations had hit more than $ 50,000 on Friday morning.
Mrs. McKenna grew up in Palmerston North in Nieuw -Zeeland, but moved to Melbourne where she and other family members lived.
It is understood that Mrs. McKenna and her suspected murderer had had a relationship until recently.
A spokesperson for the Victoria police confirmed that the investigation was still underway.
“The exact circumstances around the incidents are still being investigated, but at this stage investigators are not looking for someone else with regard to things,” said the spokesperson.
“The police also believe that the parties involved were known to each other.”
Everyone with more information is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers.
If you or someone you know need confidential support, call 1800 respect, Lifeline 13 11 14 or further than Blue 1300 22 4636.
