A Bayswater mother, Vicky Van Aken, was tragically stabbed to death at her front door by her next-door neighbour, Milorad "Mick" Zaric, who was in a drug-induced rage after consuming ketamine for the first time. Details of the horrific murder, which occurred on November 16, 2024, were revealed in Victoria's Supreme Court this week, as a grieving community paid tribute to a beloved figure.

Ms Van Aken, described as a devoted mother with a "heart of gold," had shared a friendly relationship with Zaric, even baking him cupcakes just two days before her death. Zaric had texted her that night, praising the baked goods as "amazing." However, a sudden and terrifying escalation of drug-induced paranoia and aggression led to the fatal confrontation.

The court heard that Zaric, a long-time resident of Bayswater in Melbourne's outer east and a regular cannabis user, had taken ketamine for the first time in the days leading up to the killing. Prosecutor Erin Ramsay detailed how Zaric's son and girlfriend became increasingly alarmed by his erratic behaviour. This included him pushing his son down the stairs, killing a pet turtle, and smashing a television. After his girlfriend and son believed he had calmed down, Zaric attempted to attack the boy with a knife, prompting the son to flee to Ms Van Aken's home for safety.

Tragically, Ms Van Aken's son witnessed his mother open her door to Zaric. According to court testimony, Zaric greeted her with, "Welcome home Vicky," before repeatedly stabbing her. In a desperate act of courage, Ms Van Aken's son fought off Zaric, placing him in a headlock, which allowed his younger brother to escape the unfolding horror.

Upon his arrest, Zaric confessed to police, stating, "I've had a bunch of ket[amine]." When asked about the knife, he chillingly replied, "In her neck." He later claimed to have been "microdosing" ketamine, snorting the drug every 40 minutes, and said, "It was like I was possessed or something."

More than 50 of Ms Van Aken's devastated loved ones filled the public gallery of the Supreme Court, where a photograph of Vicky was displayed. Victim impact statements painted a picture of immense heartbreak, shock, anger, and a profound sense of loss. Her sister, Mary Kadis, emotionally described Vicky as "one in a million" and a person who "was all about family and full of love for everyone," always ready to help anyone in need. Ms Kadis powerfully stated that while Zaric might make "excuses," the ultimate blame lay with him for choosing to take the drugs.

Ms Van Aken's mother, Sofia Apostolopoulos, expressed her anguish, stating that her daughter's life mattered and she deserved to see her children grow up. "I wish this was all just a bad nightmare," she told the court. Even Zaric's son submitted a statement, describing Ms Van Aken's death as "devastating" and an act of betrayal by his father. "The person I needed most was the person who hurt me the most. That is something I will never forget," he wrote.

Defence barrister Ruth Shann SC successfully challenged certain sections of victim impact statements that described Zaric in highly inflammatory terms, arguing that "a courtroom is a place where respect is shown to all before it — victims, witnesses and the person in the dock."

Zaric, who has pleaded guilty to murder, sat impassively in the dock throughout the proceedings. The hearing, presided over by Justice Jacinta Forbes, continues, with sentencing yet to be determined.