By Brendan Rees
Homicide detectives are piecing together the circumstances around a well-known greyhound trainer who was found dead in her Devon Meadows home.
Emergency services were called to a property on Cross Road about 10am on Tuesday 26 May where they found the body of 69-year-old Karen Leek.
A crime scene has been established as police confirmed they were treating Ms Leek’s death as “suspicious”.
Homicide squad detectives are trying to determined what led to her final moments – as the “exact circumstances are still to be determined,” Victoria Police spokeswoman Natalie Webster said.
“Investigators are appealing for anyone who may have seen any activity at the property over the past few days to come forward,” she said.
“They would also like to hear from anyone who drove past the address or through the area and has dash-cam footage.”
Tributes have flowed online while flowers have also been laid outside Ms Leek’s sprawling rural home since the news broke of her tragic death.
A pin code is required to gain access to Ms Leek’s property.
One friend described Ms Leek on social media as a “wonderful person” and “so generous”.
“Tragic news,” the post read.
“Such a great loss to the greyhound fraternity. Condolences to her family.
“She will be greatly missed.”
The Greyhound Owners Trainers and Breeders Association said it was “deeply saddened” by the news, describing Ms Leek as a “greatly respected and successful trainer”.
The association said she “provided support and guidance to many others making their way in greyhound racing.”
“Karen loved her dogs, was a selfless friend and mentor to many and will be greatly missed by her many friends and colleagues.”
In a statement on its website, Greyhound Racing Victoria said Ms Leek the industry had been “devastated” to learn of Ms Leek’s sudden death.
“Karen was one of the most respected people in greyhound racing, recognised for her success as a breeder, rearer and trainer,” the statement read.
“Karen had an outstanding reputation as a commercial rearer, having raised many champions including Bewildering, Brokenwood, Extreme Magic, Godsend, Moreira and Nolen.”
The statement also said Ms Leek was a “major contributor” to greyhound racing administration, including volunteering her time on various panels for the betterment of the sport.
According to The Greyhound Recorder’s website, Ms Leek “meant so much to so many” and left “an indelible mark on the greyhound racing industry Australia wide.”
Ms Leek grew up in Warrandyte where her family owned the general store, and was introduced to greyhound racing at just 13 years of age.
“Throughout her hugely successful career, pioneering the female training ranks, Leek’s Devon Meadows property has been the breeding ground for some of the superstar’s of Australian greyhound racing, including Bewildering, Moreira and Nolen just to name a few,” The Greyhound Recorder stated.
In 2010, Karen landed her first group race victory with Din’s Son in the Shepparton Cup, 12 months after finishing runner-up in the event with her prolific winning chaser.
“Her desire to help and educate young aspiring participants another of her glowing attributes, always one to volunteer her time for the betterment of the sport,” the Greyhound Recorder stated.
Neighbour Rita Menheere said although she had not known Ms Leek personally, the news of her death came as a shock – as she described the area as “extremely quiet”.
“It’s just generally really nice quiet family-orientated area,” she said.
“This is lifestyle living … it’s not the mean streets of the inner suburbs,” she added, referring to the many Devon Meadows residents who had hobby farms.
“It’s a such a beautiful area … we don’t have things like this happen.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
