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A former boss of a Christchurch woman murdered by her boyfriend before taking his own life has been remembered as an outgoing and kind woman.
It has been reported 31-year-old former Christchurch resident Kate Bell had been dating Rahul Patel, 29, for a few months when he killed her at his apartment on Church Street, in Melbourne before killing himself.
Sergeant Megan Stefanec from Victoria Police told Chris Lynch Melbourne homicide Squad detectives are continuing their “investigation into the death of a woman in Richmond on Friday 10 October.”
She said police were called to an apartment in Church Street following reports a woman was injured about 3.20am.
The woman died at the scene.
“Shortly after, police were notified that a man’s body had been discovered in Melbourne’s CBD.”
“The man was found at the base of a building at the intersection of Spencer and Little Collins streets about 4am.”
Sergeant Stefanec said “at this stage, his death is not being treated as suspicious and a report will be prepared for the Coroner.”
“Investigators are not looking for anyone else or believe any other party is involved in either incident.”
Credit: 7NEWS
Christchurch property developer Antony Gough employed Kate Bell following the February 2011 earthquake in Christchurch.
“We took her on as a school leaver in a programme that allowed students to work and study at the same time.”
Mr Gough said “she was our receptionist and was an outstanding employee and was just so well liked.”
He said Kate was a very bubbly young lady who formed strong friendships with staff.
Mr Gough said Kate had a bit of a bad run with boys and “had a rough time.”
Mr Gough said he and his staff are absolutely devastated by the news.
A Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokeswoman said MFAT is aware of the deaths of two New Zealanders in Melbourne but isn’t in a position to comment further.
Where to get help:
• 0800 543 354 (0800 LIFELINE) or free text 4357 (HELP) (available 24/7)
• https://www.lifeline.org.nz/services/suicide-crisis-helpline
• YOUTHLINE: 0800 376 633
• NEED TO TALK? Free call or text 1737 (available 24/7)
• KIDSLINE: 0800 543 754 (available 24/7)
• WHATSUP: 0800 942 8787 (1pm to 11pm)
• DEPRESSION HELPLINE: 0800 111 757 or TEXT 4202
• NATIONAL ANXIETY 24 HR HELPLINE: 0800 269 4389
If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.
