A former Nationals candidate has been charged over a hit-and-run crash that killed a high school teacher in Western Australia last week. Benjamin Simpkins, 26, is accused of striking Luke Russell, 49, and leaving the scene without providing assistance.
Russell was found unresponsive on Marri Drive in Katanning, about three hours southeast of Perth, just after 5:30am on Wednesday, May 13. The teacher was only metres from his home when he suffered fatal injuries.
Police allege Simpkins did not stop to help and instead drove 65 kilometres to his workplace, where he carried out his normal duties. An associate reportedly messaged him that night, asking: “Did you see murder scene this morning on your way to work?”
The Perth Magistrates Court heard on Wednesday that a witness saw Simpkins cleaning his car the day after the crash. He is also alleged to have searched online for the obligations following a crash, before deleting the search history.
Police arrested Simpkins at his Katanning home and seized his mobile phone and Toyota Hilux. DNA found on his car allegedly matches the victim’s. Simpkins, who ran for a legislative council seat in the 2025 state election, faces three charges: failing to stop after an incident occasioning death, failing to report an incident occasioning death, and driving without authority.
His bail application was denied, and he is due to reappear in court in June.
