The principal of the prestigious St Hilda’s Anglican School for Girls has paid tribute to the mother and daughter senselessly murdered by a gunman in search of his ex-wife.
Mark Bombara killed mother Jennifer Gretl Petelczyc and her 18-year-old daughter after arriving at their Floreat home in search of his ex-wife, a good friend of the 59-year-old, about 4.30pm on Friday.
It is understood Bombara cable-tied the mother before making several threats and phone calls and then shot everyone in the house, including himself.
Ms Petelcyzc died at the scene and her teenage daughter was rushed to hospital with critical injuries but could not be saved.
In a statement released on Sunday, St Hilda’s principal Fiona Johnston and Old Scholars Association president Jane Barker said it was with “deep sadness” that they were sharing the news of the pair’s death with the school community.
“Gretl attended St Hilda’s from junior school and graduated in 2022,” the statement said.
“The Petelczyc family were well-respected within the school community.
“Gretl was a highly-regarded student who was a talented water polo champion. Her father, Jon Petelczyc, held the position as president of the Parents’ and Friends’ Association and Council member.
“Jenny and Gretl’s loss will be deeply felt by many in our community.”
Ms Johnston went on to say that the school’s thoughts and “heartfelt condolences” went out to Ms Petelczyc’s surviving daughter, and Gretl’s elder sister, Liesl — along with their family and friends involved in the “tragic incident”.
The school’s chapel will be open on Monday for those who would like to pay their respects.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with all who have been affected by this sad and senseless event,” the statement ended.
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