A mother recounted the heartbreaking moment she discovered her teenage daughter had been murdered when she heard her phone ringing from the bushes in a suburban park. Seventeen-year-old Masa Vukotic went missing after a usual walk, devastating her family. Masa, a student aspiring to become a lawyer, was affectionately called a real-life princess by her loved ones.
On March 17, 2015, after a day of classes, family time, and discussing outfits with her boyfriend Timothy Draper, Masa put on her headphones and left for a walk around 6 pm in rural Melbourne, Australia. Despite the familiar surroundings of Doncaster Park, she encountered 31-year-old Sean Christian Price, who attacked her while she was listening to music on the path.
Dragged into the bushes, Masa was brutally stabbed 49 times as she pleaded for her life, but Price callously ignored her pleas. Price later confessed to the police that he had gone out that day with the intention of stabbing someone. Prosecutor Michele Williams QC described Price’s chilling encounter with Masa, where he referred to her in a derogatory manner before the fatal attack.
As hours passed without Masa returning home, her mother Natasa grew anxious and went to the park, only to find a disturbing scene. Police had already secured the area following reports of screams from neighbors. When Natasa called Masa’s phone, she heard it ringing from the bushes, confirming her worst fears.
Price continued his violent spree for two more days after Masa’s murder, committing further crimes before surrendering to the authorities. At the time of the murder, Price was living in the community under supervision after a previous incarceration for serious offenses. He later admitted to Masa’s murder and received a 38-year prison sentence.
The tragic incident shook Australia and prompted the government to enact Masa’s Law, introducing stricter regulations and detention orders to safeguard the public from dangerous offenders. Masa’s sister Nadja has been actively advocating for women’s safety in memory of her sister, especially after a subsequent attack that claimed multiple lives.
Nadja’s heartfelt plea for better protection for women resonates deeply as she continues her campaign, emphasizing the urgent need for societal change to prevent such tragedies.