Valeria Fermendjin
A beloved 70-year-old grandmother was brutally murdered in her home during a daytime burglary, leaving a community in fear and a family desperate for answers.
Valeria Fermendjin, a 70-year-old widow, was found dead by her daughter in her Melville home on January 7, 2016. She lived in a battle-axe block behind her daughter and her family.
Police believe she was murdered on January 5, 2016, between 7:18 am and 7:40 am, shortly after returning from a client's house where she had picked up some ironing. There were no signs of forced entry, and it is believed she disturbed the intruder(s) who then attacked her.
Mrs. Fermendjin was a Romanian immigrant who had lived in Australia since the 1980s. She was a retired dressmaker who supplemented her pension by ironing clothes for regular customers. She was a loving grandmother to her twin grandsons. A black leather handbag with a distinctive embossed pattern was stolen from the house. Police have released images of a similar bag. The WA Government initially offered a $100,000 reward for information, which was increased to $1,000,000 in May 2023.
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Upgrade MembershipBirth of Valeria Fermendjin
Valeria Fermendjin was born in Romania.
Migration to Australia
Valeria Fermendjin migrated to Australia with her husband and daughter.
Murder of Valeria Fermendjin
Valeria Fermendjin was murdered in her home in Melville, Western Australia, between 7:18 am and 7:40 am.
Body Discovered
Valeria Fermendjin's body was discovered by her daughter.
Reward Offered
A reward of $100,000 was offered for information leading to a conviction.
Reward Increased
The reward for information was increased to $1,000,000.
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