A mother recalls the heartbreaking moment she discovered her teenage daughter had been killed when she heard her phone ringing from the bushes in a suburban park. 17-year-old Masa Vukotic went missing after a routine walk, devastating her family who described her as a student with aspirations of becoming a lawyer, likening her to a real-life princess.
On March 17, 2015, Masa, after a typical day attending classes, having dinner with her family, and discussing outfits for an upcoming formal event with her boyfriend Timothy Draper, left for a walk around 6 pm in rural Melbourne, Australia. Doncaster Park, a familiar spot for dog walkers and joggers, turned into a crime scene when Masa encountered 31-year-old Sean Christian Price. Price ambushed Masa, dragged her into the bushes, and brutally stabbed her 49 times, ignoring her pleas for mercy.
Masa’s mother, Natasa, grew worried when her daughter didn’t return home. Upon arriving at the park, she was met with a harrowing sight. The police had already cordoned off areas of the park due to screams reported by neighbors. Natasa sought help from an officer, and upon calling Masa’s phone, she heard it ringing from the bushes, confirming her worst fears. Price continued his spree for two more days, committing further violent acts before surrendering to the authorities.
Prior to the murder, Price had been living in the community under supervision after serving time in prison for prior offenses. Following his guilty plea for Masa’s murder, he was sentenced to 38 years behind bars. The tragic incident sparked national outrage in Australia, prompting the government to enact Masa’s Law, which imposed stricter regulations and detention orders for dangerous offenders.
Masa’s sister, Nadja, remains an advocate in her memory, striving to prevent similar tragedies. Following a series of women’s deaths during the Bondi Junction attack, Nadja issued a plea for enhanced protection for women, urging for societal change to prevent such senseless violence.