Tobias Marcus Nuttall, a 33-year-old occultist podcaster, has been sentenced to life in prison for the brutal murder of his partner, Alisha Lauren Hendren-Krippner, in a domestic violence attack.
Court details the violent attack
Nuttall pleaded guilty to murdering the 30-year-old woman at their home in Bassendean, Perth, on August 20. The court heard that Hendren-Krippner was stabbed at least nine times less than 30 minutes after the couple returned from a trip to Sydney. She was rushed to Royal Perth Hospital but died the same day.
The Supreme Court of Western Australia heard that the pair had consumed drugs the night before, and Nuttall told doctors he was coming down from methamphetamine.
Disturbing emergency call played in court
The court was played a recording of Nuttall’s call to emergency services minutes after the attack. In the call, Nuttall calmly described the crime: “I need you. I’ve been stabbed twice in the back. Mine are non-fatal. I suspect that hers are fatal.” When asked to clarify, he said: “I have turned to defend myself, and I suspect I may have taken her life. It’s a mess. It’s an absolute mess.”
Victim impact statement and sentencing
In a victim impact statement, Hendren-Krippner’s father said he would be haunted for the rest of his life by the day he received the call about the attack. The court was packed with family and friends of the victim, who wept as the killer faced justice.
Nuttall maintained that Hendren-Krippner had reached for the knife first but admitted tackling her to the ground and killing her. The Supreme Court judge rejected his victim blaming, describing Nuttall’s offending as “vicious, uncontrolled, and completely disproportionate.”
Nuttall was sentenced to life imprisonment with a non-parole period of 18 years.
Background of the offender
Nuttall was a former co-host of a podcast called WakingWorld, which discussed the “occult, magic, spirituality, and everything clandestine.” Hendren-Krippner had appeared on the show just weeks before her death.
Support services
If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au. In an emergency, call 000. Advice and counselling for men concerned about their use of family violence: Men’s Referral Service, 1300 766 491.
