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Finding into death of Maddison Murphy-West

Deceased

Maddison Murphy-West

Demographics

20y, female

Date of death

2013-10-23

Finding date

2020-12-17

Cause of death

Neck compression

AI-generated summary

Maddison Murphy-West, a 20-year-old woman, died from neck compression on 23 October 2013 in circumstances highly suggestive of homicide by her de facto partner, Troy Boothey, despite an initial presentation as suicide. The medical examination, forensic analysis of the ligature system, and blood pattern evidence all indicated the death was not self-inflicted. Police had attended two family violence incidents in the two months prior (7 August and 30 September 2013) but did not adequately investigate Ms Murphy-West's safety or provide support referrals despite an active Family Violence Intervention Order being in place. The coroner identified opportunities for improvement in police response to family violence, particularly in conducting thorough risk assessments and ensuring victim support. This case highlights the critical importance of comprehensive investigation at each family violence contact and appropriate referral pathways to support services.

AI-generated summary and tagging — may contain inaccuracies; refer to original finding for legal purposes.

Error types

Contributing factors

  • Family violence perpetrated by de facto partner
  • History of physical assault and strangulation by partner
  • Partner's substance abuse (methamphetamine)
  • Partner's controlling and possessive behaviour
  • Inadequate police investigation at prior family violence incidents
  • Lack of victim support referrals despite active Family Violence Intervention Order
  • Financial stress regarding rent

Coroner's recommendations

  1. Implementation of comprehensive family violence risk assessment procedures at all police attendances at family violence incidents
  2. Ensuring referral of victims to support services regardless of victim reluctance
  3. Improved investigation practices when attending family violence incidents to gather background information and assess ongoing safety
  4. Consideration of perpetrator's history of violence outside the family and threats to harm children
  5. Enhanced information sharing between Victoria Police and family violence support services
  6. Compliance monitoring with family violence policies and procedures
Full text

Source and disclaimer

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