Milorad Zaric, 48, pleaded guilty to the murder of his neighbor, Vicky Van Aken, 51, who died on November 16, 2024, in her Bayswater home. The court heard Zaric had been engaged in an extensive binge of ketamine, alcohol, and cannabis in the days leading up to the incident.

Crown prosecutor Erin Ramsay stated that Ms. Van Aken had consistently shown kindness to Zaric, who had lived next door for over two decades. Two days before her death, she had baked and delivered cupcakes to Zaric and his family. He reportedly responded positively to the gesture.

According to court testimony, Zaric's behavior became increasingly erratic. On the morning of the murder, he emptied the family refrigerator onto the lawn, claiming he needed to feed a possum. He also killed the family's pet turtles and released their pet birds. His 17-year-old son and partner fled the home after Zaric assaulted the teenager.

The injured teenager sought help from Ms. Van Aken, who admitted him into her home. Zaric then entered her residence and fatally stabbed her multiple times in the neck and torso. Ms. Van Aken's 16-year-old son intervened in an attempt to protect his younger brother, who was hiding. During the struggle, Zaric struck the older son before the teenager was able to escape and call emergency services.

When police arrived, Zaric reportedly told an officer he had consumed a significant amount of ketamine and that the knife was still in Ms. Van Aken's neck. During transport to the hospital, he exhibited violent behavior, shouting religious exclamations. Blood tests later confirmed heavy ketamine and cannabis use.

In a police interview, Zaric admitted to losing control, describing the event as feeling like he was in a dream or possessed. He stated, "I just f***ing went into a rage."

Victim impact statements were presented in court, with Ms. Van Aken's mother, Sofia Apostolopoulos, describing the unbearable grief of seeing her daughter's body. Her sister, Mary Kadis, addressed Zaric directly, stating he would be remembered as the murderer who took her sister's life.

Zaric has also pleaded guilty to assault charges. The court hearing is ongoing as victim impact statements continue to be delivered.