Police release names and images in hunt for Nisali's hit-run killer
Police have identified a man and woman they want to speak to over the hit-run death of an "independent" and free-spirited Monash University student in Melbourne's south-east on Thursday night.
Nisali Perera, 20, the only child to her Sri Lankan parents, was thrown 20 metres and left for dead after she was hit by a dark-coloured Mazda on Wellington Road in Clayton about 9.45pm.
Detective Inspector Stuart McGregor said the station wagon appeared to run a red light at "significant speed" and hit Nisali as she was crossing the road on a green signal outside the university's Clayton campus.
He said "exhaustive" inquiries over the weekend had identified two people they want to speak to – Shane Cochrane, 37, from Bayswater and Lauren Hindes, 33, from the Clayton area.
Police have released images and CCTV footage in the hope the public might able to help find the pair.
"[Nisali] by all accounts appears to have been a wonderful person, living a wonderful life [and] loved by her family," Detective Inspector McGregor told reporters on Monday afternoon.
"She died at the scene and unfortunately that's the end of the only child her parents have. They were so proud of her and the fact that she had made her way to Australia – an Australia that she'd loved, and loved the way we live here in Australia.
"She's been described by her family as an independent free spirit. She loved her family and she prioritised her family at all times. She was a kind and sociable person, and she loved being here in particular."
Detective Inspector McGregor said the driver of the Mazda, believed to be a male, abandoned the car about 500 metres away on Wellington road and its occupants fled on foot.
Mr Cochrane has been described as 170 centimetres tall with medium build, brown hair and hazel eyes.
Ms Hindes is 174 centimetres tall with a thin build and brown hair.
"They're the ones we believe can supply us with the information we desperately need to bring this matter to a close for the family of the poor victim in this matter," Detective Inspector McGregor said.
"We want to find out from them what events occurred.
"Why were they in the area at the time? Where had they come from? What did they see?"
The vehicle was registered and is not believed to have been stolen.
Anyone who sees Mr Cochrane or MS Hindes is urged to contact triple zero, or if they have information on their whereabouts to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.