TODAY host Karl Stefanovic has expressed his deep sadness at the alleged rape and murder of 11-year-old Zoe Buttigieg, a young girl just one year older than his own daughter.

“Now there’s plenty of focus and rightly so on the victims of domestic violence, but in the last week we have been shocked and shamed again by violence against children,” Stefanovic said live on air.

“Look at that face.

“Zoe was 11 and she was allegedly raped and killed,” Stefanovic said, before pausing to regain his composure.

“She’ll never graduate from high school, she will never get married, she will never have kids of her own.

“She’s one year older than my daughter.

“Zoe Buttigieg we can only hope you rest in peace.”

Zoe Buttigieg.

Zoe was found dead by her mother in her bedroom at the family home on Inchbold Street, Wangaratta at about 11am on Sunday, the morning after a party.

A 29-year-old man, considered to be an acquaintance of Zoe’s family but not close, will this morning face Wangaratta Magistrates Court charged with one count each of murder, sexual penetration of a child under 16 and indecent act with a child under 16.

Investigators want to speak to any witnesses who saw or offered a lift to a man anywhere between Inchbold Street and the Hume Freeway, between Glenrowan Road and Snow Road, between 4.30 and 6.30am on Sunday.

He was barefoot at the time but was wearing a singlet top and cargo shorts.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.