Detectives on Thursday renewed attempts to identify passersby who could prove crucial to crack the case of murdered Melville grandmother Valeria Fermendjin, as her children pleaded for new witnesses to come forward
"Today marks one year since mum was tragically taken away from us in a cowardly act that continues to haunt our family," Ms Fermendjin's daughter Violeta and son-in-law Ivan said in a statement.
"Nobody should have to go through what we have been living every day since the despicable crime that was committed that took Valeria from our lives.
"Valeria certainly didn't deserve to be the victim of a callous act such as this. We ask anyone that can help police to make contact to solve this crime."
Valeria Fermendjin was killed in her Melville home.
Intruders killed Ms Fermendjin in her Leach Highway home between 7.30am and 8.30am after she had come home with a collection of laundry to iron, ransacking her home while inflicting injuries described by police as "severe" and the family as "sickening".
The state government's reward of $100,000 for information remains in place.
Acting detective Senior Sergeant Brett Fowler said Ms Fermendjin lived near the busy intersection of Leach Highway and Stock Road, meaning there was a strong likelihood someone passing by would have seen something that could help with the investigation.
The investigation has included a review of CCTV and dash cam footage collected near Ms Fermendjin's home from the relevant time period.
Family friend Ivan, left, appeals for information alongside son-in-law Ivan (centre) and daughter Valeria (right) in the wake of the brutal attack last year. Credit:Ray Sparvell
While several people in this footage had been identified and interviewed, inquiries into others continue, including a couple believed to have walked past Mrs Fermendin's house around the time she died.
"These people may not realise the significance of what they saw, which is why it is crucial for anyone who was near Ms Fermendjin's home to come forward," Sergeant Fowler said.
"We urge community members to cast their minds back and come forward if they were near Leach Highway and Stock Road on the morning of January 5, 2016."
Items taken from Ms Fermendjin's home included a distinctive vintage Russian-made black leather handbag embossed on both sides, with a zip top and metal buckle.
If you know the whereabouts of this bag, or have information that will assist this investigation, call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a report through www.crimestopperswa.com.au.
Emma Young is a WAtoday reporter focusing on environmental issues, urban planning, social justice and the arts. She has won eight WA Media Awards, including the Matt Price Award for Best Columnist.