In a disturbing turn of events, a 75-year-old woman has been remanded in police custody after allegedly killing her 88-year-old roommate at an aged care facility in the southern suburbs.
Suzanne Margaret Lupica is accused of murdering Lilian Catherine Donnelly at the Port Kennedy Bethanie Waters Aged Care retirement village on Friday.
The Incident Unfolds
The authorities were first alerted to the case when a triple zero call was made around 4:20 am after the victim was found dead.
The pair had only shared a room for four days, making the incident even more shocking. Lupica appeared in court via audio link on Australia Day, facing one charge of murder.
When asked if she understood the charge, she replied, “not really, because that’s not how it was.”
Investigation Underway
The court heard that Lupica is receiving medication for heart and bowel conditions while being held in hospital under police guard.
The Magistrate, Dianne Patricia Scaddan, said that Lupica could apply for bail prior to the next hearing through a duty judge, although she doubted that would happen before the end of the weekend.
The Homicide Squad detectives are continuing their investigation into the incident, and the case has been adjourned to appear in the Stirling Gardens Supreme Court on February 19.
Aged Care Facility Responds
The management of the aged care facility, Bethanie, has sent an email to residents, stating that they are working with the police and that there is “no ongoing risk to resident safety.”
The facility’s CEO, Roulé Jones, expressed heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased, saying, “Our staff responded quickly and professionally when the alarm was raised, and followed all Bethanie procedures.
We wish to reassure the public that no Bethanie staff were involved in this incident. The safety, wellbeing, and care of our residents remain our highest priority.”
What’s Next?
As the investigation continues, the community is left to wonder what led to this shocking incident. The case will undoubtedly raise questions about the safety and security of aged care facilities.
For now, the family and loved ones of the deceased are in our thoughts, and we await the outcome of the investigation.