Beloved young mum Rachel McKenna’s suspected murder-suicide killer is identified as Melbourne tradie Daniel Bennett

The suspected killer who is believed to have murdered his former girlfriend before taking his own life has been identified as a Melbourne tradesman.

Daniel Bennett was found dying by the side of a highway two hours after Rachel McKenna, 35, was murdered at an Ascot Vale unit in Melbourne’s north-west just after 4pm on Friday January 31.

It’s understood Bennett, Ms McKenna and her seven-year-old son all lived at the Ormond Rd unit. 

A neighbour told the Daily Mail Australia he recognised Rachel and her son but couldn’t identify Bennett who they said ‘was always at work’.

Sources close to Bennett’s family confirmed his identity to Daily Mail Australia and said that he worked as a tradie.

The neighbour told police he was home during the murder but ‘strangely never heard anything’.

Police believe Bennett killed the mother-of-one then fled the scene and drove along the Princes Freeway towards Little River.

He was found with ‘critical injuries’ after falling from a bridge on the Princes Freeway where he died shortly afterwards at the scene.

‘I saw paramedics desperately trying to save him, at the time I was so upset seeing it, now hearing what he did… that poor woman,’ one witness said.

Tributes flowed for Ms McKenna this week who was remembered as ‘dearly loved’ and ‘completely devoted’ to her seven-year-old son.

Homicide detectives have launched a probe into Ms McKenna’s death, with police still investigating the suspected murder scene over the weekend.

Ms McKenna’s body was discovered at a property on Ormond Rd with police having the major thoroughfare partially cordoned off last Saturday morning.

Family and friends have started a floral tribute which is growing by the day outside the unit where Ms McKenna was killed.

It’s understood that family including the father of Ms McKenna’s young son are in mourning together.

Ms McKenna’s sister Meg Trotter posted an emotional tribute on social media earlier this week.

‘We are absolutely devastated to let everyone know that we lost Rachel on Friday the 31st,’ Ms Trotter wrote. ‘Our family is broken with grief.

‘Rachel was a deeply-loved daughter of Tony and Lee, big sister to Tom, Rory and Meg, a doting aunty, a dear friend to many, and a completely devoted mother to her seven-year-old.

‘She was generous, vibrant, loyal, and looked forward to many adventures with her precious son.

‘Our darling girl is already so missed, forever leaving a hole in our hearts and lives. Her death was an unnecessary tragedy, one we never dreamed would impact our family.

‘Something must be done to stem violence against women in this country.’

Ms Trotter also asked friends and supporters to ‘keep our family in your prayers’.

Ms Trotter said the family are planning a farewell for Ms McKenna and ‘will post these details soon’.

‘We love you forever, our beautiful Rach,’ she said.

Ms Trotter and her sister were seen enjoying happier times at a Taylor Swift concert in Melbourne less than 12 months before her suspected brutal murder.

A GoFundMe appeal to raise money for Ms McKenna’s young son was launched by the family on Tuesday afternoon.

The family hoped to raise $10,000 to cover a memorial service and help support her son in the future. Donations had hit more than $50,000 by Friday morning.

Ms McKenna grew up in Palmerston North in New Zealand but moved to Melbourne where she and other relatives lived.

It’s understood Ms McKenna and her suspected killer had been in a relationship until recently.

A Victoria Police spokesman confirmed the investigation was still ongoing.

‘The exact circumstances surrounding the incidents continue to be investigated, however at this stage detectives are not looking for anyone else in relation to the matters,’ the spokesman said.

‘Police also believe the parties involved were known to each other.’

Anyone with further information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.

If you or someone you knows needs confidential support, call 1800 RESPECT, Lifeline 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636.