Man arrested for Maasarwe murder
Israeli media is reporting that the body of a young woman found near a tram stop in Bundoora yesterday was that of a 21-year-old Israeli student. It is reported that she was studying Chinese and English at Shanghai University, and was in Melbourne as part of an overseas study program.
UPDATE: VICTORIAN police have arrested a man in connection with the murder of 21-year-old Arab-Israeli student Aiia Maasarwe.
Victoria police media officer Sergeant Julie-Anne Newman said on Friday afternoon, “Homicide Squad detectives have arrested a man as part of the ongoing investigation into the death of Aiia Maasarwe.
“The 20-year-old was arrested in Greensborough by local police working in partnership with homicide detectives about 11.20am.
“The arrest follows an extensive investigation into Aiia’s death following the discovery of her body near Main Drive and Plenty Road in Bundoora on Wednesday 16 January about 7am.
“Police would like to thank the public for their assistance with the investigation.”
Aiia, a student of Chinese and English at Shanghai University, had been living in Melbourne in recent months as part of an overseas study program.
Homicide Squad detectives appealed for information following the discovery near the Polaris shopping centre on Wednesday morning.
According to police it appears Aiia had been assaulted, however the exact circumstances surrounding her death are yet to be determined.
It’s understood that Aiia had been at a club in North Melbourne on Tuesday night before catching the 86 tram to Bundoora from a stop in Bourke Street.
Detective Inspector Andrew Stamper said, “We have a. grieving family who has had to fly halfway across the world under the most horrific circumstances and we want to be able to give them answers.”
Anyone with any information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
A campaign has been launched to raise funds to assist with bringing Aia home to Israel, the funeral costs and supporting the family during this tough time. For more information, click here
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