By CAM LUCADOU-WELLS
RANI Featherston’s family led a public walk from Autumn Place, Doveton, to pay tribute to their murdered relative and other victims of violence on Saturday 4 June.
Rani’s father, aunt and brothers laid flowers and photos at a tree where her body was found with multiple stab wounds in Lace Street, Doveton, about 7am on Wednesday 2 April 2014.
The 34-year-old had been found slain just 500 metres from her home.
Rani’s brother Aaron Featherston organised via Facebook for the walk to start from Autumn Place to the scene of the murder in Lace Street.
He told gathered media that the walk remembered all victims of violence. “Unfortunately it happens every day,” he said.
“She was my best friend. She was beautiful. She made me happy.”
The walk was joined by Senate candidate and journalist Derryn Hinch – who has formed the Derryn Hinch Justice Party.
On Instagram, Mr Hinch – who is standing on a tougher sentencing platform and reform of bail, parole and domestic violence reform – commented: “Another female victim of violent crime.”
The Featherston family, in a statement, later thanked the crowd for “showing us your support on this freezing, rainy day”.
“We honestly can’t thank you all enough for coming down and walking by our sides today as we remembered Rani Featherston and walked in her honour.”
CCTV footage showed Rani at a business premises in Robinson Street, Dandenong, on the day before she was murdered.
Homicide detectives said that Rani was reportedly in company with a man around Oleander Street on the evening of her death.
Investigators are yet to identify the man.
Any information about Rani’s death to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic.com.au.
