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Bestselling novelist found murdered on her houseboat

<p><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">Authorities confirmed on Tuesday that a </span>murder investigation is underway after bestselling German author Alexandra Fröhlich was found dead on her houseboat in Hamburg.</p> <p>Fröhlich, 58, whose novels have frequently topped Germany’s bestseller lists, was discovered by her son early Tuesday morning on her moored houseboat along the Holzhafen bank of the Elbe River in the Moorfleet district. According to police, initial forensic evidence suggests she died violently between midnight and 5:30am.</p> <p>"Relatives found the 58-year-old woman lifeless on her houseboat and alerted the fire brigade, who were only able to confirm the woman’s death," a police spokesperson told local media. "After evaluating traces and evidence, the investigating authorities now believe that the woman died as a result of violence."</p> <p>Local broadcaster NDR, citing police sources, reported that Fröhlich had been shot. Investigators have appealed to the public for witnesses who may have noticed suspicious activity around Fröhlich’s distinctive long cerise-coloured houseboat. Divers have been deployed to search the Elbe River, amid speculation that the murder weapon may have been discarded there.</p> <p>Authorities have declined to release further details, citing the ongoing investigation. They are examining whether the suspect may have been someone known to Fröhlich.</p> <p>Fröhlich began her career as a journalist, founding a women’s magazine in Kyiv, Ukraine, before returning to Germany where she contributed to major publications such as <em>Stern</em>. She made her literary debut in 2012 with <em>My Russian Mother-in-Law</em> <em>and Other Catastrophes</em>, a humorous novel inspired by her own cross-cultural experiences, which earned a spot on Der Spiegel’s bestseller list and was later translated into French.</p> <p>Her subsequent novels, including <em>Death is a Certainty</em> (2016) and<em> Skeletons in the Closet</em> (2019), both published by Penguin, were praised for blending humour, family dynamics and sharp social commentary.</p> <p>News of Fröhlich’s death has shocked the literary community, where she was celebrated for her witty and insightful storytelling.</p> <p><em>Image: Penguin</em></p>

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Distressing new details surrounding Audrey Griffin's murder

<p>After Adrian Torrens, the <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/murder-charge-laid-after-death-of-19-year-old-ironwoman" target="_blank" rel="noopener">man accused</a> of murdering 19-year-old Audrey Griffin, took his own life inside Silverwater Prison just days after being charged with her death, new details have been revealed around the lead-up to Griffin's death.</p> <p>According to the <a href="https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/shock-new-details-uncovered-about-audrey-griffins-accused-killers-prison-suicide/news-story/c0ecc3866fecb0ba3a122c561bff2267" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Daily Telegraph</a>, authorities confirmed that Torrens, 53, borrowed a razor blade from his cellmate last Thursday under the pretence of needing to shave ahead of a court appearance. Torrens then used the blade to end his life within the shared cell.</p> <p>No foul play is suspected on the part of prison staff or inmates, and an official report is being prepared for the Coroner.</p> <p>Just days earlier, Torrens had been charged with Griffin’s murder, nearly a month after her body was discovered in a creek bed near The Entrance Road at Erina. At first, Griffin’s death was believed to be a tragic accident despite multiple autopsies. This changed when detectives uncovered critical CCTV footage from outside the Elanora Hotel in East Gosford, recorded in the early hours of March 23 – which showed Griffin walking past the hotel shortly after 2am, with Torrens following closely behind. Griffin had told friends she intended to take an Uber to Terrigal, but she never made it.</p> <p>Investigators later learned Torrens had shown signs of distress during a routine visit to a Community Corrections Office two weeks after Griffin’s death, and that he appeared emotionally troubled, citing a recent relationship breakdown and concerns over his mother's health. <span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">At the time, he was serving an 18-month community corrections order for previous domestic violence offences. </span></p> <p>Following the public release of the CCTV footage, several of Torrens’ associates came forward, with one witness telling police Torrens had confessed to killing Griffin and described leaving her body in the mangroves.</p> <p>NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb expressed full confidence in the officers handling the complex case, saying that the CCTV footage was released the same day investigators identified its significance.</p> <p>A final determination on the circumstances surrounding Torrens' death will be made at a future coronial inquest.</p> <p><em>Images: Facebook / LinkedIn</em></p>

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Woman accused of murdering terminally ill partner hours after palliative care meeting

<p>A woman accused of killing her terminally ill partner after he postponed making a decision on assisted dying has been denied bail by the Queensland Supreme Court.</p> <p>Kylie Ellina Truswell-Mobbs, 50, was arrested on April 3, more than a year after the death of her partner, David Ronald Mobbs, 56, who died at their home in Alexandra Hills, southeast Brisbane, in December 2023.</p> <p>During a bail hearing on Tuesday, the court heard that Mr Mobbs, who had been diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND), had expressed a desire to delay a decision on voluntary assisted dying just hours before his death. </p> <p>Crown prosecutor Sarah Dennis alleged that later that same night, Truswell-Mobbs made three separate attempts to administer a lethal drug cocktail to Mr Mobbs via his feeding tube. “Her conduct was purposeful and determined,” Dennis told the court. “It continued over a number of hours through the night... her intent was protracted.”</p> <p>According to Dennis, Truswell-Mobbs acted after a palliative care meeting on December 5, where Mr Mobbs reportedly told others he wished to delay his decision about assisted dying by at least a week. Despite this, prosecutors allege Truswell-Mobbs acted within hours to end his life.</p> <p>The court also heard that Mr Mobbs, who used a signing board to communicate, had allegedly been given a lethal dose of drugs. Police claim Truswell-Mobbs later confessed her actions to both a close family member and a professional carer. One witness reported she told them she “couldn’t take it anymore”.</p> <p>Truswell-Mobbs’ defence barrister, Ruth O’Gorman, argued for bail, noting that her client had no prior criminal history and had not fled during the 16 months she was under police investigation. O’Gorman also raised the possibility that the charge could be reduced, suggesting that aiding suicide might be more appropriate than murder.</p> <p>“It’s not inevitable that the Crown would proceed with the charge of murder against her, or that the jury would convict,” O’Gorman said.</p> <p>However, Justice Glenn Martin found the prosecution had a strong case, noting the significant body of evidence pointing toward a potential conviction. He said there was a clear distinction between knowing one is under investigation and being formally charged with murder.</p> <p>Bail was denied, and Truswell-Mobbs is expected to appear in Brisbane Magistrates Court for mention of the murder charge.</p> <p><em>Images: Facebook</em></p>

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Murder charge laid after death of 19-year-old ironwoman

<p>A 53-year-old man has been charged with the murder of 19-year-old ironwoman <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/beloved-aussie-athlete-found-dead-at-just-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Audrey Griffin</a>, nearly a month after her body was discovered in a creek on the NSW Central Coast.</p> <p>Griffin’s body was found partially submerged in Erina Creek near The Entrance Road in Erina around 3:45pm on March 23 – the same day she was reported missing following a night out with friends.</p> <p>At the time, her death was not considered suspicious. However, a renewed police investigation and subsequent inquiries shifted the course of the case, culminating in the man’s arrest in Sydney on Monday April 21.</p> <p>The breakthrough came just three days after police released an image of a man they were seeking to speak with in relation to the case.</p> <p>The man was taken into custody and transported to Surry Hills Police Station, where he was charged with murder. In addition, he faces 11 domestic violence charges that are unrelated to the murder.</p> <p>Police will allege the man was involved in a physical altercation with Griffin prior to her death.</p> <p>He was refused bail and is due to appear before Downing Centre Local Court.</p> <p>Audrey Griffin was a promising young athlete and beloved member of the surf lifesaving community. Her death has sent shockwaves through the local community and beyond.</p> <p>Police have not ruled out further charges as investigations continue.</p> <p><em>Images: Facebook</em></p>

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Marty Sheargold axed from Triple M after Matildas comments

<p>Radio host Marty Sheargold has been axed by Triple M after "disgusting" <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/disgusting-radio-host-slammed-over-women-s-sports-comments" target="_blank" rel="noopener">comments</a> made regarding the Matildas and women's sport.</p> <p>The network confirmed that Sheargold had been let go, as Southern Cross Austereo chief content officer Dave Cameron said in a statement, "Triple M and Marty Sheargold have mutually agreed to part ways."</p> <p>"SCA takes its responsibility to listeners, shareholders, and clients seriously and its programming should align with the standards and expectations of its audience.</p> <p>"Right now, it's clear this is a moment for reflection and review. Triple M will continue to take all necessary steps to support staff. Triple M acknowledges Marty's contribution over the past four years, and we wish him well for the future."</p> <p>After the announcement was made about Sheargold's position at Triple M, he issued his own statement to apologise for the offence he had caused. </p> <p>"Having mutually agreed to part ways with the Triple M Network, I fully understand the gravity of my comments," he said.</p> <p>"I'd like to sincerely apologise to the Matildas and the broader organisation.I would also like to thank my immediate team for their hard work and apologise for the situation they now find themselves in."</p> <p>Sheargold's rant prompted many to speak out in defence of the Matildas and women's sport in general, with respected Channel 7 sports presenter Mel McLaughlin finishing her sports news segment on Wednesday evening with her thoughts on the situation. </p> <p>“Just a word on the bizarre, pathetic, and embarrassing comments we heard earlier regarding our mighty Matildas,” McLaughlin said on Seven.</p> <p>“They obviously do not represent how any of us feel, and hopefully all the girls and boys out there know that.”</p> <p>“This is by no means a backward step on how far we’ve come and women’s football, and women’s sport in general, as we know guys, is awesome.”</p> <p>Matildas coach Tom Sermanni was also among those to scold Sheargold, as he said, "As sporting teams, we're used to criticisms – but sometimes the comments cross the line and that one certainly did cross the line."</p> <p>"It was firstly completely unnecessary and generally outrageous ... And you know, it's something that just from a behavioural perspective is really, very, very disappointing."</p> <p>"For me, it's not so much about sexism and misogyny, in a sense – although that's unacceptable, let me make that clear. It's kind of what the comments were."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Triple M</em></p>

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Man charged with murder one day after police offer $500,000 reward

<p>Coffs Harbour police have charged a 66-year-old man with the murder of Duncan Campbell, one day after announcing a $500,000 reward for information leading to a conviction.</p> <p>Campbell’s body was discovered just over a year ago on February 12, 2024, in bushland near his campsite on John Champion Way. Initially, authorities did not consider his death suspicious. However, a medical review later revealed that the 58-year-old had been brutally assaulted, prompting a homicide investigation.</p> <p>Detective Superintendent Daniel Doherty explained that humid and wet weather conditions had significantly decomposed the body, leading to the initial incorrect assessment of the cause of death. This misjudgment resulted in delays to the murder inquiry.</p> <p>On Tuesday, police issued a public reward of $500,000 for information on the case. Less than 24 hours later, strike force detectives arrested the suspect in Coffs Harbour. The man has been charged with murder and is accused of bludgeoning Campbell to death with a steel pole. He was refused bail and is set to appear in court.</p> <p>Campbell, a father of four and grandfather, had been living in a campsite with other rough sleepers near City Hill before his disappearance. Detective Superintendent Doherty noted that Campbell was well-regarded by those who knew him.</p> <p>"He was a loving father and grandfather," Doherty said. "[He] fell on hard times in recent years that led to him sleeping rough. He was a decent man; there was no criminality from Duncan."</p> <p>Campbell was reported missing by his family after they lost contact with him. Police discovered his body a week later in nearby bushland.</p> <p>Campbell’s murder comes amid a troubling rise in homicide cases in the Coffs Harbour-Grafton region. According to the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR), the area recorded five murders in the year ending September 2024 – the highest annual total in the past decade.</p> <p><em>Image: NSW Police</em></p>

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NRL legend sacked from radio show

<p>NRL legend Mark 'MG' Geyer has been axed from his popular Triple M radio show that he hosts alongside Mick Molloy. </p> <p>The NSW State of Origin star joined Triple M in 2009 and quickly became one of the network's most popular talents, co-hosting the <em>Mick & MG in the Morning</em> show for many years. </p> <p>Geyer, 56, was absent from Wednesday and Thursday’s shows with Molloy making no mention of his whereabouts.</p> <p>News of Geyer being axed was first reported by <a href="https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/entertainment/sydney-confidential/triple-m-rocked-as-mark-mg-geyer-sacked-from-breakfast-show/news-story/c8257f6989eda13b0dde61a9bb3b67d0" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-tgev="event119" data-tgev-container="bodylink" data-tgev-order="c8257f6989eda13b0dde61a9bb3b67d0" data-tgev-label="entertainment" data-tgev-metric="ev"><em>The Daily Telegraph</em> </a>with his departure following in the wake of several on-air talents being let go.</p> <p>The shock sacking comes after it was announced that Mick Molloy would also depart the show next year and return to Melbourne where he’ll host Triple M Melbourne’s breakfast show next year alongside Nick Riewoldt, Titus O’Reily and Rosie Walton.</p> <p>Listeners of the show took to social media to vent their frustration after learning the NRL legend had been let go.</p> <p>“MG has been refreshing to listen to on MMM. He isn’t one of the sanitised radio ‘personalities’ who are full of themselves. MG is honest and speaks from the heart,” one wrote.</p> <p>A second added: “MMM are a total joke, was once a great radio station now run by suits who have no idea on what the listeners want. Where’s the MMM we had back 30 years ago when MMM was the Number 1 radio station in Sydney.”</p> <p>While no official announcement has been made by Southern Cross Austereo, Geyer has updated his Facebook profile which now reads: Former Locutor at Triple M Sydney 104.9.</p> <p>According to <em>The Daily Telegraph,</em> an official announcement about the Triple M breakfast show's new lineup would be made "in due course".</p> <p><em>Image credits: Triple M - news.com.au</em></p>

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Mum's tribute to "kind" teenager after unidentified remains found

<p>Isla Bell's mum, Justine Spokes, has paid tribute to the "kind" and "gentle" teenager, after remains believed to be the 19-year-old's were found at a waste management facility in Melbourne's south-east. </p> <p>Bell was last seen leaving her Brunswick home about 6pm on October 4 and made final contact with her friends on October 7. </p> <p>At the time, her mother made a heartfelt plea for her return, saying: "We just can't wait to hold you bub, we love you so much and we just want to know you're safe, my darling." </p> <p>On Tuesday afternoon, police arrived at a facility in Bentleigh East, after receiving a tip-off that a white van was seen dumping a fridge believed to be connected to the investigation. The found the yet-to-be-formally identified remains at the facility. </p> <p><a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/men-charged-after-remains-found-following-teen-s-disappearance" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Two men have been charged</a> over the death of the 19-year-old, and documents released by the court on Wednesday revealed that she was allegedly murdered in St Kilda East, the same day she was last in contact with her loved ones. </p> <p>Police allege a 53-year-old man, who she was believed to be staying with a few days prior to her death, attacked her inside his apartment, and a 57-year-old man helped him hide her body in the fridge. </p> <p>They also allege the 53-year-old man initially denied knowledge of the fridge, but eventually admitted to transporting Bell's remains after she died at his house, but claims he did not know how she died and denied any involvement.</p> <p>In a statement to <em>The Age</em>, Bell's mother said her daughter is "cherished forever and suffering no more".</p> <p>"I am so sorry I could not protect you, that your experience of the world was cruel and unsafe," Spokes said.</p> <p>"Despite your challenges, you lived bravely, stood up for what was right and remained the kindest human, the gentlest soul.</p> <p>"May your (alleged) murderer murder no more. With the deepest love and respect, your Mumma."</p> <p><em>Image: Nine News</em></p>

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"Rot in hell": Family of murdered paramedic speak out over ruling

<p>The man charged with murdering New South Wales paramedic Steven Tougher has been found not criminally responsible due to a mental health impairment, with Tougher's family "appalled" by the decision. </p> <p>In April 2023, Tougher, 29, was stabbed in a McDonald’s carpark by Jordan Fineanganofo, 23, in a frenzied attack at 5am in the Sydney suburb of Campbelltown. </p> <p>The father-to-be had been eating with a colleague when he was approached by Fineanganofo, who stabbed him 55 times and leaving 24 incised wounds. </p> <p>“I am going to f**king kill you,” Fineanganofo said to Mr Tougher, according to the agreed facts and court documents. </p> <p>Mr Tougher was rushed to hospital after the attack, but suffered a cardiac arrest and died at the hospital shortly after he arrived. </p> <p>Both the defence and the Crown prosecutor agreed the court could find Fineanganofo was not responsible because of his mental health issues, with Justice David Davies stating on Friday that he cannot be held criminal responsible. </p> <p>“I am satisfied beyond a reasonable doubt that the accused committed the psychical acts,” he said.</p> <p>“(I) find the accused was suffering from a mental impairment at the time he committed the acts”. </p> <p>Justice Davies found Fineanganofo had been suffering from a mental health impairment at the time of the attack and did not know the wrongness of his actions because of his illness.</p> <p>The court was told Fineanganofo experienced auditory hallucinations, increasing paranoia, and suicidal ideation before the deadly attack, as the 23-year-old told psychiatrists that he heard voices telling him to harm himself and others in the weeks leading up to the offences, and believed he was surrounded by malignant demons.</p> <p>As Justice Davies handed down his decision, Tougher's friends and family broke down in court. </p> <p>“You chose not to take your medication, you’re the demon,” one person shouted at Fineanganofo as he was taken into custody, while another person yelled, “Rot in hell, you dog.”</p> <p>Outside court, Mr Tougher’s father Jeff said the family were “appalled” with the outcome.</p> <p>“It is neither what we wanted nor what we expected,” he said. “Stephen has been lost in this deeply flawed and broken process.”</p> <p>The heartbroken father said the family “strongly oppose” the court's decision to agree to a finding of not criminally responsible, and they were “deeply offended” they were not consulted before the decision was made.</p> <p>Mr Tougher’s father said the family would be pushing for an inquest into the “deplorable” circumstances surrounding his son’s death. </p> <p>“We are damaged today, but we’re not broken. The system is broken, and as a family, we will be fighting for change,” he said. “My son will not be forgotten, nor will his death be dismissed.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Facebook</em></p>

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Teen found not guilty of murdering Brisbane mum

<p>A teenager has been found not guilty of murdering Brisbane mother Emma Lovell, with her heart-broken widow shedding tears at the verdict. </p> <p>The now 18-year-old faced trial on the allegation that he had seen a knife in his co-offender's hand and knew he was armed when the pair broke into the Lovell home on Boxing Day in 2022.</p> <p>The main offender fatally stabbed Emma and hurt her husband Lee in the struggle that followed.</p> <p>With the case largely dependant on crucial split-second CCTV, Justice Michael Copley ruled he could not "be satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that the accused knew the other teen was in possession of the knife".</p> <p>The teenager was found not guilty of Ms Lovell's murder or manslaughter and also acquitted of unlawful wounding, but was found guilty of burglary and assault in company.</p> <p>Outside the court, Lee Lovell became emotional as he told reporters, "I'm not feeling too great at the moment - the verdict was a joke. I don't feel justified for Emma one bit."</p> <p>"You try and do the best you can for her and I don't feel I've been able to do that."</p> <p>Mr Lovell said legislation needed to be changed in order for victims and their families to have justice. </p> <p>"You are a part of killing someone and you get a burglary charge. What does that say for anyone going forward," he said.</p> <p>"We are the ones with a life sentence now."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Facebook</em></p>

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New $1m reward for cold case murder of three children

<p>A new $1 million reward is being offered for information about each of the murders of three First Nations children around 34 years ago. </p> <p>Four-year-old Evelyn Greenup, Clinton Speedy-Duroux, 16, and Colleen Walker-Craig, 16, disappeared from Bowraville, a town in northern NSW over a five-month period from September 1990. </p> <p>Evelyn and Clinton's remains were found in nearby bushland, but Colleen's have never been found. </p> <p>The murders were initially investigated separately before being linked by the homicide squad. </p> <p>Now, after various appeals over the decades, NSW Police have issued a re-appeal for information into the murders, with a particular focus on locating the remains of Colleen.</p> <p>“A $1 million reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for each of the children’s murder remains in place, as well as for information leading to the location and recovery of Colleen’s remains,” NSW Police said on Monday.</p> <p>Detectives are also going to be spending the week in Bowraville to  speak to locals who may have information about the children's deaths. </p> <p>A man, who can't be named for legal reasons, was acquitted of Clinton's murder in 1994, and Evelyn's murder in 2006. </p> <p>The case was the subject of two police investigations, multiple trials, a coronial inquest, and a parliamentary inquiry. </p> <p>In 2018, the government tried to convince the NSW court of criminal appeal that there was fresh and compelling evidence – related to the disappearance of Colleen – in attempt to overturn the two acquittals and instead have a new single trial on three murder charges. </p> <p>However, the court refused to grant special leave to the NSW government to appeal against the decision. </p> <p>In 2019, hundreds protested in front of the gates of the Court of Appeal when a retrial was denied. </p> <p><em>Images: 7pm TV News NSW/ ABC News</em></p>

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Woman sentenced to life for murdering parents and living with their bodies

<p>A British woman, who murdered her parents and lived with their bodies for four years, was sentenced to life imprisonment on Friday and is not eligible for parole for 36 years. </p> <p>When Essex Police raided Virginia McCullough's house in Great Baddow last September, the 36-year-old confessed that her parents' bodies were in the house and that she had killed them. </p> <p>She admitted to poisoning her father, John McCullough, 70, with prescription medication that she put into his drink, and then a few days later, beat her 71-year-old mother Lois McCullough with a hammer and fatally stabbed her. </p> <p>“I did know that this would kind of come eventually,” she said while handcuffed in body cam footage released by police on Friday. </p> <p>“It’s proper that I serve my punishment.”</p> <p>After McCullough was arrested, she told an officer: “Cheer up, at least you’ve caught the bad guy,” adding that “I know I don’t seem 100 per cent evil.”</p> <p>Further body cam footage showed her at the police station telling officers where to find the tools she used to kill her mother. </p> <p>She had pleaded guilty to murdering her parents at a previous hearing in June 2019. </p> <p>In the words of the prosecution, McCullough kept her father in a “homemade mausoleum” in his bedroom and study, in a structure that was “composed with masonry blocks stacked together.”</p> <p>She wrapped her mother's body in a sleeping bag and put it in a wardrobe on the top floor of the property. </p> <p>In the four years after the murder, she ran up £149,697 ($AU289,792) on credit cards in her parents’ names and continued to spend their pensions.</p> <p>The court heard she cancelled family arrangements and told doctors and relatives that her parents were unwell or away on a trip. </p> <p>Statements from her three unnamed siblings were also read in court, and one said:  “our parents were completely blameless victims”. </p> <p>“Virginia always said Mum and Dad were fine and made up lie after lie about their daily activities," another said. </p> <p>Judge Jeremy Johnson said at the sentencing hearing on Friday that McCullough’s actions represented a “gross violation of the trust that should exist between parents and their children.”</p> <p>Judge Johnson said that she had  maintained an “elaborate, extensive and enduring web of deceit” over months and years and that he was sure there was  a “substantial degree of both pre-meditation and planning," that went into the murder. </p> <p>Essex Police said documents found in the home showed that McCullough was trying desperately” to keep her parents from discovering the poor state of her finances, and gave “false assurances” about her employment and future prospects.</p> <p>“She is an intelligent manipulator who chose to kill her parents callously, without a thought for them or those who continue to suffer as a result of their loss,” said Detective Superintendent Rob Kirby. </p> <p>"The details of this case shock and horrify even the most experienced of murder detectives, let alone any right-thinking member of the public.”</p> <p><em>Image: Essex Police/ 7NEWS</em></p> <p> </p>

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Arrest made for the alleged murder of Queensland psychologist

<p dir="ltr">Police have arrested a 47-year-old man in connection with the death of Queensland mother and psychologist Frances Crawford. </p> <p dir="ltr">The 49-year-old woman was found dead on an Upper Lockyer property in Queensland shortly before 4am on July 30th, with paramedics initially reporting the incident as a "mower rollover".</p> <p dir="ltr">Despite initial reports, police shared an update on their investigation on Friday to say they were treating her death as suspicious, alleging the woman was <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/police-share-major-update-on-woman-s-lawnmower-death">murdered</a>. </p> <p dir="ltr">Superintendent Marchesini said several lines of inquiry were being pursued by homicide detectives, and shared a plea to the public for information. </p> <p dir="ltr">One of the lines of inquiry being pursued involved the alleged relationship Frances' husband Robert had with “multiple women”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We believe there were women who were involved in relationships with Mr Crawford who may have information about Mrs Crawford that will assist with this investigation,” Superintendent Marchesini said at the time.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We are particularly interested in speaking with people who knew of Frances or Robert Crawford and their personal circumstances, including their marriage.”</p> <p dir="ltr">On Thursday, police released a statement to confirm that they had arrested Frances’ husband in connection to her death, while thanking the public for valuable information. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Investigations are continuing and there is no further information at this time,” they said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Detectives can confirm a number of people have provided information since our last public appeal, and thank those people for their bravery in coming forward.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“Anyone with information that can assist with investigations is encouraged to come forward and contact police.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: 7News - Crawford Family </em></p> <p> </p>

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Charlise Mutten's mum breaks silence

<p>Kallista Mutten, the mother of murdered schoolgirl Charlise Mutten, has broken her silence in her first ever television interview. </p> <p>Nine-year-old Charlise was brutally murdered by her mother's then fiancée Justin Stein at his family home in the Blue Mountains, Sydney in January 2022. </p> <p>In August, Stein was sentenced to life in jail without parole, after he was <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/jury-decides-fate-of-accused-murderer-justin-stein" target="_blank" rel="noopener">found guilty</a> of Charlise's murder, having shot the little girl twice before dumping her body in a barrel. </p> <p>Since Charlise's murder, Kallista had been harassed in public and abused by people on public transport to the extent she could no longer go outside. </p> <p>In an upcoming interview for <em>60 Minutes</em> that will air this Sunday night, Kallista broke her silence. </p> <p>"I'm not this monster, this unfit mother," she told reporter Dimity Clancey in a newly released preview. </p> <p>"Charlise deserved more."</p> <p>"I miss her so much, she believed in me," she continued through tears. </p> <p>Many have blamed her for the horrific murder that happened while Charlise was in her care. At the time, Charlise was visiting her mum and Stein in Sydney for Christmas from the Gold, where she lived with her grandparents. </p> <p>She spent the night of January 11 alone with Stein at his property in the Blue Mountains, while her mother stayed at a caravan about a 90-minute drive away. </p> <p>"I hate myself for it, I really do," Kallista said. </p> <p>The preview also showed footage of an agitated Stein pacing around the police interview room, while blaming Charlise's mum for the murder. </p> <p>"It was all her. I can't sit here and cover for her," he said. </p> <p>Kallista denied having any involvement in her daughter's death and broke down in tears during a hearing, where she read a victim's impact statement via audio video link. </p> <p>"(Charlise) just longed for you to be her dad. I just hate myself for being so wrong about you," she said at the time. </p> <p>"I am forced to live with fact I trusted someone and because of my trust I put my daughter in harm's way."</p> <p>In the <em>60 Minutes</em> preview, a police detective said that Stein "weaved a web of wicked lies and deception", with Kallista describing her former partner as "pure evil". </p> <p><em>Images: Nine</em></p>

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Thief gambles away $64k raised for alleged murder victim's family

<p>A gambling addict has been sentenced to 400 hours unpaid community service after admitting to stealing $64,000 from a GoFundMe page intended for a grieving family. </p> <p>Lachlan Morganti, 26, was sentenced on Tuesday after pleading guilty to a single charge of theft, as magistrate Michelle Mykytowycz sentenced him to a two-year community corrections order and 400 hours of unpaid work.</p> <p>The court was told that Morganti set up the fundraising page on behalf of the family of allegedly murdered woman Hannah McGuire, who <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/you-were-our-whole-damn-sky-tributes-flow-after-alleged-murder-of-young-teacher" target="_blank" rel="noopener">died</a> on April 5th this year.</p> <p>He had become acquainted with the family, who managed The National Hotel in Clunes, through their support of the Clunes Cricket Club where he played. </p> <p>“Hannah was known by many as a bright young woman and had a heart of gold,” the fundraiser read.</p> <p>“All proceeds will go towards funeral costs and other expenses the family may need during this tough time.”</p> <p>In just a few days, the GoFundMe page raised more than $64,000 in generous donations from the community. </p> <p>The funds dropped in Morganti’s bank account on April 24th, but he almost immediately began to gamble with it, losing the full amount in four to five days.</p> <p>After his arrest, Morganti told police he had an “uncontrollable” gambling addiction and internally justified it by believing he would only use a small portion to fix his mounting gambling debts.</p> <p>“I accept the act of creating the GoFundMe was meant as an altruistic act, that it was intended as a selfless act to benefit the grieving McGuire family,” Ms Mykytowycz said. </p> <p>“However, the temptation to use this money to recover previous debts became overwhelming and self-indulgent.”</p> <p>In a statement to the court, Hannah's mother Debbie McGuire said it was important to note no one from their family had asked for support or for Morganti to start the GoFundMe, adding that Morganti had the “audacity” to attend Hannah’s funeral among many of those whose contributions he had stolen.</p> <p>“Not only did the accused violate our trust, but he had a complete disregard of the trust and generosity of an entire community,” she said.</p> <p><em>Image credits: GoFundMe / news.com.au</em></p>

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Ellen DeGeneres reveals triple health diagnosis

<p>Ellen DeGeneres has revealed that she has been diagnosed with osteoporosis, OCD and ADHD.</p> <p>The American comedian spoke candidly about her health in her latest Netflix special, <em>For Your Approval</em>, which marks her comeback after receiving backlash over toxic workplace allegations. </p> <p>DeGeneres revealed that she only received the diagnosis after she left her long-running daytime talk show, <em>The Ellen DeGeneres show</em>. </p> <p>The star learned she has “full on osteoporosis” -  a disease that causes bones to become weak and more susceptible to fractures - after she took a “stupid bone density test.”</p> <p>“I don’t even know how I’m standing up right now,” DeGeneres said. </p> <p>“I’m like a human sandcastle. I could disintegrate in the shower.”</p> <p>Not only does she have osteoporosis, she said she was also diagnosed with arthritis. </p> <p>“I had excruciating pain one day and I thought I tore a ligament or something and I got an MRI and they said, ‘No, it’s just arthritis.’ I said, ‘How did I get that?’ And he said, ‘Oh it just happens at your age,’” she recalled. </p> <p>She also explained that after the backlash and "hatred" she received from fans following claims that she created a work environment that bred "racism, fear and intimidation", she started going to therapy as it took a toll on her mental health. </p> <p>That was when she learned she had OCD and ADHD. </p> <p>“I was in therapy for a while trying to deal with all the hatred that was coming at me,” she shared. “And you know, it was not a common situation for a therapist to deal with.”</p> <p>She continued, “I may have OCD because a therapist said so and I said, ‘Yes I am very organised,’ because I thought that was the O. I didn’t know what OCD was.”</p> <p>“I was raised in a religion, Christian Science, that doesn’t acknowledge diseases or disorders,” she explained. “So when I was growing up, nobody talked about anything. There was no discussion of anything.”</p> <p>Despite the circumstances, DeGeneres tried to lighten the mood saying: “My ADD makes it really hard to sit down and focus on anything at all.</p> <p>"I mean, do you know how hard it was for me to put this together? Of course you don’t. Why would I ask that question? It’s hard for me to focus,” she told a laughing crowd.</p> <p> “So, I have ADD, I have OCD, I’m losing my memory. But I think I’m well-adjusted, because I obsess on things, but then I don’t have the attention span to stick with it, and I quickly forget what I was obsessing about in the first place. So, it takes me all the way around to being well adjusted, I think.”</p> <p>She also revealed her thoughts on getting cancelled, telling the audience: “We have all these unwritten rules based on gender about acceptable behaviour. If we don’t follow those rules, it makes people uncomfortable. And if people are uncomfortable, there are consequences.”</p> <p>But regardless, she said it all worked out for the better. </p> <p>“I’m happy not being a boss or a brand or a billboard, just a person."</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p> <p> </p>

Caring

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99-year-old woman declared accessory to over 10,000 murders

<p>A court in Germany has upheld the conviction of a 99-year-old woman who, during the Second World War, was the secretary to the SS commander at a Nazi concentration camp. </p> <p>The Federal Justice Court on Tuesday rejected the appeal of Irmgard Furchner, who was convicted of being an accessory to more than 10,000 murders and was given a two-year suspended sentence in December 2022. </p> <p>Furchner was accused of being a key part of the apparatus that helped the camp near Danzig, now the Polish city of Gdansk, function, and was subsequently convicted of being an accessory to murder in 10,505 cases and an accessory to attempted murder in five cases.</p> <p>At a federal court hearing in Leipzig in July, Furchner's lawyers cast doubt on whether she really was an accessory to crimes committed by the commander and other senior camp officials between 1943 and 1945, and on whether she had truly been aware of what was going on at Stutthof.</p> <p>The court said that judges were convinced that Furchner “knew and, through her work as a stenographer in the commandant’s office of the Stutthof concentration camp from June 1st 1943, to April 1st 1945, deliberately supported the fact that 10,505 prisoners were cruelly killed by gassings, by hostile conditions in the camp,” by transportation to the Auschwitz death camp and by being sent on death marches at the end of the war.</p> <p>Germany's main Jewish leader welcomed the ruling. “For Holocaust survivors, it is enormously important for a late form of justice to be attempted,” Josef Schuster, the head of the Central Council of Jews, said in statement.</p> <p>“The legal system sent an important message today: even nearly 80 years after the Holocaust, no line can be drawn under Nazi crimes,” he added.</p> <p>During the original court proceedings, prosecutors said that Furchner’s trial may be the last of its kind, however, a special federal prosecutors’ office in Ludwigsburg tasked with investigating Nazi-era war crimes says three more cases are pending with prosecutors or courts in various parts of Germany.</p> <p>With any suspects now at a very advanced age, questions increasingly arise over suspects’ fitness to stand trial.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Sky News</em></p>

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Shocking theory behind grandma's broad daylight murder-suicide

<p><strong><em>Warning: This article contains distressing content that some readers may find upsetting. </em></strong></p> <p>Court papers have revealed the sinister reason behind why a grandmother allegedly killed her daughter-in-law before killing herself. </p> <p>Terminally ill ex-probation officer Kathleen Leigh, 65, fatally shot 45-year-old Marisa Galloway, who shares a child with Leigh’s son, Zachariah Reed, on a New York street before taking her own life. </p> <p>Now Ms Galloway’s grieving parents, Nancy and John, have filed an emergency court petition claiming Mr Reed has run off to his “multimillion-dollar home” in Chicago with their grandchild Lili under the pretext of “mourning” his mother’s death.</p> <p>He has also barred the Galloways from any contact, either in person or via technology, with the child.</p> <p>“Clearly, [Mr Reed’s] mother had a deliberate plan to kill Marisa in order to provide custody for her son,” the court papers charge, according to an exclusive report by the <em><a title="nypost.com" href="https://nypost.com/2024/08/18/us-news/killer-nyc-granny-carried-out-slay-suicide-to-give-son-full-custody-of-child-heartbreaking-suit/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">New York Post</a></em>. </p> <p>“Unfortunately, [Mr Reed] has demonstrated an absolute intention to further those same goals of his mother as he has refused to provide us with any access to Lili at all in almost 3 weeks.”</p> <p>According to legal papers filed on Friday, the grandparents, who live a 12 hour drive away in New Jersey, are asking a Manhattan Supreme Court judge to pass on Marisa’s parenting time, hashed out in a 2022 custody agreement with Mr Reed.</p> <p>They are also asking that Mr Reed be forced to live in the New York until Lili is 18 so that she can keep a close relationship with her grandparents and with her half-sister, Mariel, the 1-year-old daughter Marisa had with a sperm donor who currently lives with the grandparents. </p> <p>“While Marisa was always the best mother, we would love to be involved with all aspects of taking care of an infant, toddler, and ultimately the little girl that Lili currently is,” Nancy wrote.</p> <p>Nancy said she is “extremely uncomfortable” being forced to file the petition but worried Lili would become estranged from her mum’s side of the family if they didn’t intervene.</p> <p>The grandmother laid out the history of Marisa and Mr Reed’s “tumultuous relationship” since the pair split and their “contentious” custody battle while she also claimed the pair dated before Marisa became pregnant but said their relationship ended “driven by the interference of [Mr Reed’s] mother.”</p> <p>On the day of the heinous crime on July 26th 2024, Marisa was loading her car and had put Mariel in her seat with plans to visit her parents for a few days. </p> <p>She was approached by Leigh while she was putting something in the boot, and shot her once in the back of the head and again in the back before taking her own life.</p> <p>Before her heinous crime, Leigh scrawled a seven-page letter “For Police” describing how she felt Marisa was trying to alienate Lili from her dad and saying she suspected Marisa of abusing Lili, despite child services clearing Marisa in two probes launched by Mr Reed.</p> <p>“She took away the child’s mother in order to make her son happy … it’s shocking,” a law-enforcement source had told the <em>New York Post</em> of Leigh right after the alleged murder-suicide.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Manhattan Supreme Court</em></p>

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Chilling videos emerge from mum accused of murdering schoolgirl

<p><em><strong>Warning: This article contains distressing content that some readers may find upsetting. </strong></em></p> <p>Chilling videos have emerged from the mother accused of killing her 10-year-old daughter, Sophie Wang. </p> <p>Yingying Xu, who was named in court on Wednesday, posted a series of videos to TikTok before she allegedly murdered her daughter. </p> <p>“I want to let everyone know that the situation you see is fake. Fake god, the antichrist is a fake god,” Xu, 46, said while speaking in Mandarin.</p> <p>“I have felt the devil Satan saying to me how he has been influencing me, disturbing my soul.</p> <p>“Eventually possessing me 100 per cent. Possessing my soul to do evil things.”</p> <p>The videos were posted earlier in the day on Tuesday, and the little girl's body was found by her father, Yun Wang, later that evening.</p> <p>Sophie is alleged to have suffered several<a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/schoolgirl-identified-after-allegedly-being-murdered-by-mother" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> injuries</a>, and was  allegedly killed by having her throat slashed in her Carrara home.</p> <p>Her father, who is an associate professor at Griffith University, could reportedly be heard screaming by neighbours after discovering her body. </p> <p>Paramedics attempted to revive the girl, but she was declared dead at the “incredibly confronting” scene.</p> <p>Xu was arrested in a nearby street hours later and charged with murder.</p> <p>“This is absolutely sickening, gut-wrenching, awful,” Queensland Premier Steven Miles said.</p> <p>“I just can’t imagine how that father felt and hearing the reports of him screaming - nobody would ever wish that on him.”</p> <p>Her mother was formally remanded in custody until she appears in court again on November 29. </p> <p>The family's home remains a crime scene, but flowers have been left outside the home, as the local community try to come to terms with the horrific news. </p> <p>Police are continuing to investigate the motive of the alleged murder, and are taking into account Xu's social media activity. </p> <p>“Police are continuing to investigate the motive of the alleged homicide, including social media activity of the accused,” police told <em>7News</em>.</p> <p>Sophie has been remembered as a caring, kind and high-achieving Year 5 student, with the local community honouring her memory in an hour-long vigil on Friday at The Boulevard in Emerald Lakes.</p> <p>Sophie’s school, Emmanuel College, is also offering counselling to students, staff and parents.</p> <p>“Our prayers are with the family, friends, first responders and all affected by the loss of this beloved child in her home,” the school said in a statement.</p> <p><em>Images: Emmanuel College /TikTok</em></p>

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