By Luke Voogt
Detectives investigating a fire that killed Whittington father Daniel Surtees over the Australia Day weekend are searching for two male witnesses.
Mr Surtees died in hospital on Australia Day after sustaining fatal burns in a fire at his Boundary Road home about 8.20pm on January 25.
Detectives charged his wife Angela Surtees, 33, with murder and she is scheduled to face Melbourne Magistrates’ Court for a committal hearing on May 11.
Detectives from the Arson and Explosives Squad were searching for two male witnesses, police revealed on Wednesday.
The detectives had received information that the two young men walked past the property and had a conversation with the victim and his then 10-year-old son.
“It’s believed this conversation happened sometime between 7pm and 8.20pm [on January 25],” a Victoria Police spokesperson said.
“The men do not have any involvement in the fire and are being treated as witnesses only.”
Police had yet to locate the men and were appealing for them to come forward, the spokesperson said.
They urged the men or anyone else with information to phone Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Meanwhile a fundraiser supporting the paternal children of the couple had reached $12,802 by Wednesday morning.
“This beautiful family have experienced immense tragedy in such a short period of time,” Meisha Taumoefolau said in late January, after organising the fundraiser.
“The children have lost both mum and dad essentially. At the moment they’re just really confused about what’s happening and why.”
The children were with relatives, whose immediate family had “grown overnight” as a result, according to Ms Taumoefolau, a long-time family friend.
“They need our help,” she said.
“All of this money that’s being raised is going towards the children’s expenses so their lives can get back on track as soon as possible.”
Details: www.gofundme.com/f/help-support-the-surtees-family
