UPDATE:
According to Nine News, Homicide Squad Detectives have arrested a Victorian man in regards to the two-year-old’s death this morning.
No details about the man have been released.
The revelation comes after a chilling text message sent nine days before Nikki Francis-Coslovich’s disappearance was revealed.
The Herald Sun reported that Nikki’s father Nicholas text messaged a family services worker saying, “I need to get the girls out of that house and fast … I must save my girls b4 its too late. Pls help me.”
According to The Herald Sun, Nikki’s injuries included blunt-force trauma and significant bruising.
Since her death, information has slowly trickled out about the case that reveals the living conditions faced by Nikki.
The Age reports that the on-again-off-again partner of Nikki’s mother, John Torney, was due to face Mildura Magistrates Court yesterday in relation to a criminal matter that does not involve children.
Neighbours had reported that Peta-Ann Francis and John Torney, who lives in a separate house, had a volatile relationship.
Nicholas Coslovich, Nikki’s father was also due to appear at the same court, relating to a court-ordered diversion program.
He told Fairfax Media he was charged in relation to “smacking” Nikki’s oldest sister, an offence that was reported to police through her school.