Man charged with mum-of-four’s murder
A man has been charged with murder after allegedly assaulting a mother-of-four and setting fire to their home in Perth’s south.
Emergency services were called to the property on Currie St in Warnbo shortly after 1am on Friday after reports of a blaze.
Police allege the 35-year-old man physically assaulted the woman “at their shared home” sometime between 7.30 on Thursday and 1am on Friday.
The man is further alleged to have set the property alight while the woman was still inside.
The body of the 30-year-old, since identified as Erica Hay, was found by police in a bedroom at the back of the home.
In a statement, police alleged the man fled from the property with the woman’s three-year-old child.
Both the man and child were later taken to Rockingham Hospital for treatment for smoke inhalation.
The 35-year-old South Kalgoorlie man has since been charged with one count of murder and criminal damage by fire.
He is due to appear in the Perth Magistrates Court on Sunday.
The charges come amid heightened focus on alleged violence against women in Australia.
Ms Hay’s lifelong friend, Amanda Broad, told Nine News she was the “goofiest person”.
“I’ll never get over her (Ms Hay’s) smile and her laugh, “ Mr Broad said.
Womensline: 1800 811 811
MensLine Australia: 1300 789 978
National Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence Counselling Service 24hr helpline: 1800 RESPECT
Lifeline: 13 1144
Family Violence Crisis and Support Service: 1800 608 122
Emergency/Police: 000
