A devastating scene unfolded in Belmore, Sydney’s southwest, on Wednesday when police found the lifeless body of 31-year-old Khouloud Hawatt, a devoted mother of five young children.
The alarming discovery was made after a relative raised concerns for her welfare, prompting authorities to investigate.
A Violent Crime Scene
Officers broke into Khouloud’s unit, only to find that she had fallen victim to an allegedly “violent murder”. The gruesome crime scene suggested that she had been killed early that morning, with the triple-0 call made at 7:50 am. According to Superintendent Sheridan Waldau, no weapon was found at the scene.
Estranged Husband Arrested and Charged
In a swift move, police arrested Khouloud’s estranged husband, 35-year-old Talaat Hawatt, 30 kilometers away in Denham Court, with the assistance of the organized crime squad Raptor. He was taken into custody at Campbelltown Police Station and charged with murder (DV), contravening an Apprehended Domestic Violence Order (ADVO), using a prohibited weapon contrary to a prohibition order, and failing to comply with a digital evidence access order direction.
A History of Domestic Violence
Talaat was refused bail and is set to appear in Campbelltown Local Court on Thursday. Interestingly, he was subject to a restraining order to protect Khouloud, valid until February 2025. However, no location or contact restrictions were applied. According to Waldau, the couple had several interactions with police in the past 12 months, including a restraining order check in August, which were characterized as minor.
A Devoted Mother
Friends and family remembered Khouloud as a devoted mother who would do anything for her children, aged between eight months and eight years. Her tragic demise has left the community in shock, with many struggling to come to terms with the loss of a loving mother and her senseless murder.
Seeking Help and Support
If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, there is help available. Call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au for support and resources.