Couple found dead in Hernes Oak, regional Victoria, after neighbour heard gunshots
Updated ,first published
A man and a woman were found dead at their home in Hernes Oak, two hours east of Melbourne.
Police found the bodies of Aaron Hammond and his partner Chamindika Jayawardena at a house in McGraths Track around noon on Monday.
Neighbor Brenno Amarto said he and his business partner were working on his truck’s exhaust system when he heard two explosions.
He said he didn’t think anything of it at the time because duck hunting was common in the rolling hills near his home near Moe.
Although Amarto said he was sure what he heard on Saturday was gunshots, investigations into the deaths continue.
“I’ve known him for about a year and a half. Aaron used to let me put cattle and bulls on his property,” Amarto said. “Chami always walked down our street… They were such a nice couple.”
Jayawardena’s friends arrived at the property with police on Tuesday to retrieve the couple’s cat.
They didn’t want to talk to the media.
Jayawardena would have been 47 on Sunday. The couple had no children.
The tragedy shook the small community in the shadow of Yallourn power station, where Hammond worked as a boilermaker.
“This is heartbreaking for all the families involved,” Amato said. “It’s going to shock everyone… we all know each other.”
Police said, “At this stage, investigators are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident. The investigation is ongoing.”
Anyone with information that could assist police is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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