Three women were allegedly murdered in domestic violence-related incidents across New South Wales within 10 hours on Saturday, prompting Premier Chris Minns to describe the deaths as “shocking”.
The women, aged 23, 70 and 90, died in separate incidents in Wagga Wagga, Bondi Beach and Mole River.
In the first case, emergency services were called to a home on Ziegler Avenue in Kooringal, Wagga Wagga, at about 11.45am after a 23-year-old woman was allegedly stabbed. Paramedics tried to save her, but she died at the scene.
An 18-year-old man was initially arrested nearby and later released without charge. Police were told another man had left the property before emergency services arrived.
A 31-year-old man was subsequently arrested at a home on Menzies Avenue in the same suburb. Police allege he was in a domestic relationship with the woman. He has been charged with domestic violence-related murder and refused bail.
He did not appear in court on Sunday and is due to face court again on November 18.
About five hours later, police were called to a unit on Chambers Avenue in Bondi Beach, where a 90-year-old woman was found with significant injuries to her torso. She died at the scene despite attempts to save her.
A 47-year-old man, believed to be the woman’s grandson, was arrested at the property and charged with domestic violence-related murder. He was refused bail to face court on Sunday.
Third woman found dead in fire-damaged home
At about 9.35pm, a 70-year-old woman was found dead inside a partially fire-damaged home at Mole River, about 40 minutes west of Tenterfield.
Police had initially been called to a neighbouring property on Ironbark Road following reports of a domestic violence incident. Officers were told a 37-year-old man had entered the property, attempted to steal a vehicle and allegedly assaulted the 74-year-old male homeowner.
The man was arrested before officers went to the neighbouring home, where they found the woman’s body. He has since been charged with murder, with police alleging he and the woman were known to each other.
He was refused bail and is due to appear before Bail Division Local Court 5 on Monday.
Mr Minns said three women had lost their lives “in the space of one day”, offering his thoughts to their families, loved ones and the affected communities.
NSW Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane said she was “horrified” by the deaths and warned they could not be treated as isolated incidents.
“Women of every age, from a 23-year-old to a woman in her 90s, are still not safe in their own homes,” she said.
Ms Sloane said she would not comment on the circumstances of the cases because they were before the courts, but added: “We cannot treat this as background noise. We are failing women across our country and every level of government, and every one of us, has a responsibility to act.”
Anyone affected by sexual assault, domestic or family violence can contact 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732. In an emergency, call 000. Men concerned about their use of family violence can contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491.
