Mother and Daughter Found Dead Outside Melbourne Apartment in Suspected Murder-Suicide

A 38-year-old woman and her five-year-old daughter were found deceased outside an apartment building on Prospect Street in Box Hill, eastern Melbourne, on the evening of Thursday, October 22, 2026, with Victoria Police investigating the deaths as a suspected murder-suicide[1][2][3][7][9]. Emergency services could not revive the pair, who died at the scene[2][5].

The incident has deeply affected the local community, highlighting the suddenness of such tragedies and prompting authorities to emphasize the availability of mental health support services for those impacted[3][11].

What the records show

Victoria Police were called to Prospect Street around 6:20 PM on Thursday, October 22, 2026, following reports that a woman was found unresponsive outside an apartment block[2][4][6]. A short time later, an unresponsive primary school-aged child was discovered nearby[2][5][6]. The woman was 38 years old and her daughter was five years old[7][8][11]. Both were pronounced dead at the scene[2][3][4]. The area outside the Promenade residential apartments was cordoned off as a crime scene[3][4][5]. Detectives are investigating the deaths as a suspected murder-suicide[1][3][9]. Police have stated that, at this early stage, they are not looking for any other individuals in connection with the incident[2][3][5]. The mother worked as a real estate agent and had accessed the building for client inspections[3][8][11]. The family resided in Blackburn South[3][11].

The timeline

Police responded to calls on Prospect Street at approximately 6:20 PM on Thursday, October 22, 2026[2][4][6]. CCTV footage captured the mother and daughter entering the apartment building roughly an hour before their bodies were discovered[3][8]. The discovery of the two unresponsive individuals occurred shortly after the initial call[2][5].

What changed and for whom

Following the discovery, the area around the Promenade apartments on Prospect Street was secured with crime scene tape as detectives began their investigation[3][4][5]. Neighbors expressed shock and sadness over the events[3][8][11]. Resident Harry Wang said he felt "Just shocked and just feel so sad. I can't believe that it's happened"[3]. Victoria Police confirmed that efforts to revive the mother and child were unsuccessful[2][5].

What the subject has said publicly

Victoria Police have publicly stated that they are not seeking anyone else in relation to the incident at this early stage[2][3][5]. Authorities have also directed those affected by the incident to mental health support resources, including Lifeline (13 11 14) and Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636)[3][14].

What we could not confirm

We could not confirm the identities of the deceased woman and child. We could not confirm the specific cause of death for either individual. We could not confirm further details regarding the suspected murder-suicide beyond the police's initial assessment.