Bowe Maddigan had been staying in Wangaratta for a couple of weeks before attending an Inchbold Street party that would change his life.
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The father-of-two, who is from Mildura, was known to Victoria Police.
Court documents revealed his last address was in Wangaratta, where it is believed he was staying with an associate.
The 29-year-old had worked as a carpenter in his home city, but had not had contact with his mother in a number of years.
His mother, Colleen, a grandmother-of-15 from Irymple, released a statement to Fairfax Media, saying the rape and murder charges came as a shock.
"When we heard the news this morning we thought isn't this absolutely disgusting,” the statement read.
“Who would do that and relative or not, we hope he gets what he deserves."
Relative or not, we hope he gets what he deserves
- Colleen Maddigan
"Our deepest condolences to the young girl's family.
“It comes as a huge shock...nothing makes it OK."
Wangaratta rallied after Zoe’s death, with more 500 people gathering for a heartfelt candlelight vigil on Tuesday.
A proposed fundraiser for the family was cancelled, citing “distress to the family” who needed time to grieve.
