Latest News

Daiane Pelegrini, A “Loving Mother”, Murdered By Ex-Boyfriend In Sydney’s West

The aspiring nurse was allegedly ambushed in her home

Daiane Pelegrini, an aspiring nurse and mother, arrived home on Monday and was allegedly ambushed by an ex-boyfriend. David Tran, who was believed to have previously dated Pelegrini, has been charged with murder following the August 3 incident in Sydney’s west. 

Police arrested the suspect, who underwent a mental health assessment before being taken to Granville Police Station.

ABC reports Pelegrini moved to Australia from Brazil with her husband at the end of 2016, but the pair decided to separate two weeks ago. They share an eight-year-old daughter — who was with her husband, Marcelo Antunes de Ataide — at the time of the alleged attack.

“She was a really good mother…she was the best mum and would do anything for her daughter,” he told ABC.

Police will allege in court that the man broke into the unit prior to the incident, and will be further alleged that threatening messages were sent to Pelegrini prior to her death.

Pelegrini is now the sixth known Australian women to have had her life taken by violence in Australia in the past six weeks. 

Emerald Wardle, an 18-year-old woman, was found dead inside her home near Maitland on June 20. Her boyfriend, 20, has been charged with murder. 

Karen Gilliland, a mother-of-three from Rockhampton, died on June 23 after being stabbed by her estranged husband in front of two of their children.

Liqun Pan, a 19-year-old student, was found dead in her Wolli Creek apartment on June 28. Her boyfriend is alleged to have attempted a murder-suicide, and he was later found with serious injuries and remains in an induced coma unable to speak to police. 

Roselyn Staggard’s husband found the “doting grandmother” in their home in Caversham, WA, on July 1 after allegedly being killed at the hands of her own son. 

Elaine Pandilovski, an education support staffer, was found murdered in her Melbourne home on July 14. Her estranged husband Zoran Pandilovski has since been taken into custody. 

The National Sexual Assault, Family & Domestic Violence Counselling Line – 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) – is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for any Australian who’s experienced, or is at risk of domestic violence and/or sexual assault.

Related stories