Alleged killer led weeping into court over partner's death
An alleged killer was led weeping into a Sydney court where he was denied bail, facing a murder charge over the death of his life-long partner.
Sharon Michelutti, a 48-year-old mother of four, was stabbed to death with a kitchen knife in her Riverwood home on Monday.
She had been in a relationship with the accused Gavin Debeyer for more than 30 years but the family had a history of domestic violence.
Ms Michelutti had taken out a number of AVO's to protect herself.
On Tuesday, while Mr Debeyer sobbed as he was led into Burwood Court dressed in a forensic jump suit, one of the victim's sons returned to the scene and confronted police.
"Did my dad kill 'er?” he shouted.
"What jail is he in?... Why didn't you ring and let me know, mate?"
Police said Ms Michelutti's body was left lying in the bedroom for several hours before it was discovered.
Investigators believe she had suffered a single stab wound from a kitchen knife.
They are trying to work out the suspect's final movements on Monday, from the time the victim was last seen until her body was found.
No one else was at home at the time.
News of the death brought a mixed reaction from friends and neighbours of the victim.
"They've been together since they were 14 years old, so it's really crazy to think this could happen," Markita Galea said.
But a friend Ms Michelutti, Cheree Dodkin, said she was not surprised by what had allegedly happened.
"If me and her went out to dinner he'd be on the phone every 15 minutes, how long before you're back?" she said.
Another neighbour, Chris Michael, said: "A lot of this happens in our street lately. It's not a big surprise".
Friends said they want Ms Michelutti to be remembered as a beautiful mother who adored her children.
