Dad charged with stabbing to death two young daughters (Melbourne, Australia)

I'm sure there is a long back story with dad CHARLES MIHAYO that has yet to be told.

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/law-order/man-charged-with-murder-over-deaths-of-young-sisters-in-watsonia-melbourne/story-fni0fee2-1226890533233

Last Updated: April 21, 2014

Man charged with murder over deaths of young sisters in Watsonia, Melbourne

Andrea Hamblin, Rebekah Cavanagh, Samantha Landy and James Dowling • Herald Sun •
April 21, 2014 12:03PM

A MAN believed to be the father of two young girls who were killed at a property in northeast Melbourne yesterday has been charged with murder, as relatives return to the scene.

The Herald Sun understands police will allege the girls, who neighbours said were as young as three and four, were stabbed by Charles Mihayo inside a granny flat in the backyard of their grandmother’s house on Longmuir Rd, Watsonia, during a family Easter gathering.

Mr Mihayo, 35, of Watsonia was arrested at the scene, and charged with two counts of murder during an out-of-court sessions hearing just before 1am.

It remains unclear whether police have found the weapon allegedly used but forensic investigators have not been on scene since 3am, and the clean-up is due to begin.

Two female deceased-estate cleaners, wearing white coveralls, entered the back unit of the property this morning.

They followed relatives who returned to the scene with their heads down at 9.30am. The family has so far declined to comment.

Homicide squad detectives are at the property, and police continue to doorknock neighbours.

Neighbours this morning said the little girls were “gorgeous, with coffee-coloured curls”.

Neighbour Linda Bassiere yesterday told the Herald Sun she heard a chilling scream just minutes before police arrived at 3pm.

Paramedics tried in vain for more than 40 minutes to revive the sisters but despite their best efforts they died at the scene.

Hardened police officers and other emergency services workers were moved to tears by the tragedy.

Victoria Police Assistant Commissioner Andrew Crisp said there were several family members inside the home at the time of the deaths.

“This is a tragic set of circumstances that has impacted on the family,” he said.

“There were a number of family members there at the time.

“It’s naturally also impacted on friends, neighbours and the members of the fire brigade, emergency services and Victoria Police who attended the scene.

“I’ve heard here today a number of our police members have been in tears.

“There are some very upset people at the moment.”

Mr Crisp would not go into any details about how the girls died or if a weapon was used.

“The important thing at this stage is we have two young girls under the age of 10 who are deceased,” he said.

Mr Crisp said a Triple 0 call was made at 2.40pm, but he wouldn’t say if it was a family member or neighbour who made the call.

He would not confirm if the girls’ mother was there.

“I can’t get into details at the moment,” he said.

“It’s very early days in the investigation.”

The horrific deaths have shocked neighbours on the quiet street.

Several residents told the Herald Sun the property under police cordon was owned by the victims’ grandmother.

Neighbour Ms Bassiere said the girls were often dropped off by their father.

“The children came and visited her (their grandmother) regularly, usually dropped off by their father,’’ Ms Bassiere said.

“We heard a lady screaming, it is a bit confronting.’’

Local resident Helen Temple visited the street to lay a flower at the front of the house.

“It’s so awful. How can someone do this?” said Mrs Temple, who has a three-year-old daughter.

Mr Mihayo was remanded in custody to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court tomorrow.