Cops call for more info on ‘murder’

POLICE are continuing to appeal for information in relation to an alleged “horrendous domestic violence” murder in the Darwin CBD last week.

A 51-year-old man was arrested and charged on Thursday over the alleged murder of a 54-year-old male relative at a unit in the Tomaris Court flats on Smith St overnight on April 8.

On Saturday, detective Acting Senior Sergeant Michael Budge said officers had been confronted with a “horrendous scene” inside the unit, which remains taped off with police tape. “This incident is (is alleged to be) quite a horrendous domestic violence incident involving relatives,” he said.

He confirmed a weapon was allegedly involved in the incident and the man had suffered blunt force injuries. “The blunt force trauma has resulted in severe head injuries and injuries to the torso and defensive wounds,” he said.

Sergeant Budge said a woman who was also present in the flat during the incident, but who has not been charged, was the partner of the man in custody and police were still seeking more information.

“We’ve had lots of information come forward throughout the week and we’re still seeking further information should anyone have anything to inform us about,” he said. “If anyone’s seen anything happen at the Tomaris Court flats, towards the service station area, between 6.30 on Thursday evening, on the 7th of April, and 8.20am on the 8th of April, please ring 131 444.”

Speaking generally, Sergeant Budge said domestic violence continued to be a scourge throughout the Territory and urged any victims to come forward. “It’s a serious matter and people are being harmed every day because of it,” he said. He urged people to reach out on 131 444 or triple-0 in an emergency.