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The family of a woman who was found dead in her boyfriend's Melbourne home has told 9News that she "always saw the good" in people.
Nikkita Azzopardi, 35, was found dead this morning in South Morang, in Melbourne's north-east.
Her family were the first ones to find her, an image they say has stuck with them.
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"I went upstairs and I went … We went through the door … I just saw my sister … I can't get that image out of my head," her brother Shaun said.
Her two brothers and parents became worried when Azzopardi didn't arrive at their family barbecue last night.
Her father went to her boyfriend's house and knocked on the door, but no one answered.
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They returned this morning and broke into the house after she had not responded to their calls or texts.
That's when they found her, Shaun said.
"It just feels like a dream, to be honest … doesn't feel real," he said.
"She just didn't see the bad in people … she always saw the good … I'm going to miss it."
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The last time Shaun saw his sister was 10 days ago when she took his children go-karting.
Police declared a crime scene at a home on Reid Street in South Morang about 10am.
Nikkita's boyfriend, a 33-year-old South Morang man, is in custody and is expected to be questioned in relation to the death.
The pair had been in a relationship for more than two years.
Shaun told 9News that his sister's boyfriend was an "introverted person".
Police said both parties "spent time at the house" where the woman's body was found, but said they were still investigating the exact circumstances of their living arrangements.
Nikkita lived between the townhouse she was found in and another residence with housemates in Thornbury.
Forensic police will remain at the home "well into the night" to comb through the crime scene in the hope of piecing together what may have transpired.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Support is available from the National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service at 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).
