Did bitter family feud turn to murder? Police investigate brutal killing of much-loved greyhound racing trainer – as five-year-old is questioned by cops
- Beloved greyhound trainer, Karen Leek, 69, was found dead at home on Tuesday
- Police treating the death as suspicious and believe suspect may be known to her
- Ms Leek had been looking after her great niece’s five-year-old at the time
A bitter family dispute may have led to the brutal murder of a beloved greyhound racing trainer, police say.
Karen Leek, 69, was found dead at her property in Devons Meadow, south-east of Melbourne around 10am on Tuesday.
At the time of her death, Ms Leek had been living with her great-niece and her five-year-old daughter.
The property, where Ms Leek also trained and bred greyhounds, is only accessed through a gate which requires a code.
Police believe Ms Leek’s murderer may have been known to her.
Karen Leek, 69, was found dead at her home in Devons Meadow, south-east of Melbourne around 10am on Tuesday
It is not known if Ms Leek was killed in front of her five-year-old relative but police said they had interviewed the child.
It is not suggested that Ms Leek’s great niece or the five year old’s mother were in any way involved in her death.
One close friend said she had seen Ms Leek the night before her shocking death.
‘When she (the great-niece) first came here … Karen gave her a place to live. Everything was fine,’ the friend told the Herald Sun.
‘But then she met a guy, that’s how it all started.’
Another friend, and chair of Greyhound Racing Victoria, said the industry had been ‘rocked’ by Ms Leek’s death.
‘She was an amazing person, it’s such a massive loss for us,’ Peita Duncan told Nine News.
‘It’s devastating for our industry and it’s rocked us to our core.’
The 69-year-old was a pioneer in the greyhound racing industry and was well loved
Flowers have been left at the Devons Meadows property which has been turned into a crime scene
Another woman, believed to be the five-year-old’s grandmother, arrived at the scene and entered the property to pick up a bag of personal belongings.
Greyhound Racing Victoria also paid tribute to Ms Leek.
‘The greyhound racing community is devastated by the shock news that Karen Leek has passed away, aged 69,’ the industry said.
‘Karen was one of the most respected people in greyhound racing, recognised for her success as a breeder, rearer and trainer.’
Homicide detectives analysed the home with help from a police helicopter
Homicide detectives spent more than 30 hours analysing the home which has been turned into a crime scene.
A police helicopter was also used to examine the property.
Ms Leek was introduced to greyhound training and racing when she was just 13 and went on to be a leading pioneer in the sport.
She had helped breed some of Australia’s superstar greyhounds including Bewildering, Moreira and Nolen.
Police are treating the death as suspicious and are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.
They are also urging anyone who may have dashcam footage of the property to inform police.
Ms Leek had been caring for the five-year-old daughter of her great niece at the time of her death
Ms Leek was introduced to greyhound training and racing when she was just 13 and went on to be a leading pioneer in the sport