Slain sisters ‘loved and never forgotten’

Two young sisters killed in an Easter Sunday tragedy will be forever loved and missed, their family says.

THE devastated mother of two young girls slain, allegedly by their father, in an Easter tragedy says they will be "forever missed, loved, and never forgotten".

Treasured photos of the playful, smiling sisters, hand in hand, were released by the family last night as their mother spoke of her grief.

"We are utterly devastated at the loss of Savannah and Indianna," she said in a brief statement, released by police.

Savannah, 4, and Indianna, 3, were found dead at their grandmother's home in Watsonia on Sunday.

Family photos of Indiana and Savana, who were killed at Watsonia.

Their father, Charles Mihayo, will face Melbourne Magistrates' Court today charged with their murders.

Mr Mihayo, 35, who was living in a granny flat at the back of the property, was married to the girls' mother, but they separated about a year ago.

The arrangements for custody of the girls is not known.

The little girls, aged 3 and 4, were described by friends as "the mother's world".

The family had gathered at the Longmuir Rd home on Sunday, but about 2.40pm the Easter celebrations quickly turned to horror.

A relative frantically called 000. Emergency services rushed to the scene, but nothing could be done to save the girls.

DEATH OF SISTERS LEAVES A STREET TORN APART

Charles Mihayo has been charged with two counts of murder. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

Police have not released details about how the girls died or whether a weapon was used.

The double murder, which brought even hardened police officers to tears, has prompted an outpouring of public anger and mourning.

Grief-stricken family returned to the house yesterday to collect some belongings, but declined to speak to media before leaving.

Savannah, 4, and Indianna, 3, who died yesterday in Watsonia, pictured here with their mum.

Neighbours, and complete strangers touched by the girls' deaths, also came to the house to pay their respects.

Local mother Helen Temple was the first to lay a single white flower on the white fence line.

"I've got a three-year-old daughter too," she said.

Police outside the Watsonia home where two sisters died. Picture: Sarah Matray

"It's so awful. How can someone do this?"

As the day passed, more and more people visited the usually quiet suburban street — where Savannah and Indianna were often spotted playing — to leave the family flowers and messages of support.

One card read: "Two beautiful angels forever in heaven. May they both be surrounded by angels to protect them."

Savannah, 4, and Indianna, 3.

A toddler clutched his mum's leg as he waved at the house, while a girl — no older than Savannah and Indianna — placed a pot plant of pink cyclamen, a plant that symbolises sorrow and sincerity, at the fence.

She held her dad's hand as the two of them stood briefly in silence on the footpath, staring at the unassuming red brick home.

Neighbour Laura Birckel, who lives "just doors away" said her family was devastated by the tragedy.

"Still feeling so sick in the stomach," she said. "Such beautiful little girls, such innocent lives.

"May they rest in peace. Absolute heartbreaking times for the families involved."

A friend of the girls' mother could not believe the news.

"It is such a tragic event," the friend said. "Those kids are the mother's world."

Treasured family photos of the girls, Indiana and Savana. Source: Supplied

rebekah.cavanagh@news.com.au

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