It was a suburban Melbourne murder noted for the tragic way in which a woman's body was discovered by her children when they came home from school.
Twelve months on, the family and friends of 42-year-old mother of three Kylie Blackwood are still waiting for justice.
"It is still very raw, the person is still out there," family friend Brian Paynter told AAP.
"At this stage, there is nothing that we can do, really, but raise awareness and campaign for White Ribbon and so that's where we've channelled our energies.
"It is also probably good for (husband) Peter to see people doing that, and to see change."
Mrs Blackwood's death is thought to be the result of a daylight burglary she interrupted.
A man seen acting suspiciously in nearby streets is believed to have walked into the Blackwoods' Pakenham home via its raised garage door.
A homicide detective at the time described the crime as a "vicious attack" which resulted in a "normal, suburban family" losing their mother.
The Blackwoods' twin daughters found her body on the couch at about 4pm on August 1, 2013.
The murder weapon was not recovered and the investigation has had a number of setbacks.
A man fitting the suspect's description, and confirmed as being in the area at the time, was tracked down by police but he was found to have a solid alibi.
There were also unconfirmed reports in June that a bank had failed to report to police that Mrs Blackwood's bank card was used on the day of her murder.
Security camera footage which could have assisted the investigation may have been erased before detectives could review it.
Victoria Police would only say their investigation is continuing.
"Homicide Squad detectives are continuing to appeal for assistance to identify a caucasian man wearing a striped jumper, black pants, black cap and sunglasses who was seen walking along McCaffrey Rise around midday on August 1 (2013)," a statement said.
The Pakenham community has rallied around the Blackwoods, establishing the Kylie Blackwood Foundation to raise funds and focus awareness on society's problem of violence against women.
Mr Paynter, a foundation trustee, will join other locals to shake fund-raising tins in central Pakenham on Friday - the anniversary of Mrs Blackwood's death.
Sixty local businesses will also display fund-raising tins throughout August, with 100 per cent of money raised to go to the anti-violence group White Ribbon Foundation.
Mr Paynter was unsure how much would be raised, but said it would help "start the conversation".
"We need to start changing men's attitudes and language towards women," Mr Paynter said.
"About 30 women will be there to send a strong message to the community, to spread the word that violence against women in any form is unacceptable and it starts with their men, and all men in the community."
Share
