Girl, 11 found dead after party in Vic

The primary school student was found dead inside her Inchbold Street home on Sunday.

The death of an 11-year-old girl has sent shockwaves through Wangaratta, in north-east Victoria, as locals come to grips with the loss of a much-loved member of the community.

He said the party held at the home on Saturday night had been “nothing out of the ordinary”, and had ended about 2am.

Police said a 29-year-old Mildura man was under guard at Wangaratta Hospital with undisclosed injuries, while a number of people are said to be assisting police with their inquiries.

The man, who was an acquaintance of the family, left the home early Sunday morning and walked or hitchhiked to Glenrowan. He was shoeless and wearing cargo trousers and a singlet and behaving erratically.

Detectives from the homicide squad have been unable to interview him due to his mental state.

Investigators want to speak to any witnesses who saw or offered a lift to the 29-year-old man anywhere between Inchbold Street and Hume Freeway, between Glenrowan Road and Snow Road, between 4.30 and 6.30am on Sunday.

Neighbours had reported a loud wailing scream about 11am on Sunday before police and paramedics arrived at the home.

“It’s gut-wrenching, how do you explain that stuff to your kids?”

Wangaratta mother Lauren Bittner said she did not know Zoe’s family, but had an 11-year-old daughter herself and wanted to help the community pay tribute to the little girl.

“It’s very sad that you have to tell the younger children that something happened to the child”, she said.

“I heard a bad, terrifying scream, like someone wailing”, neighbour Jenelle Robinson told The Border Mail.

Next door neighbour Dirk Todd said there had been a party at the home on Saturday night, which was not unusual.

“We love you so much, fly high with the Angels and give Dad a big cuddle and kiss from us as soon as your in his arms again”.

“There are parties there probably every second weekend”, he said on Sunday.

One neighbour said the girl was often seen playing on the street with other children from the area.

Another wrote: “Rest in peace handsome girl – far, far too close too home & far, far too young & unjust”.