A woman has been found dead with multiple stab wounds inside a home in Goulburn, New South Wales, after allegedly being left there for five days. Police have charged her ex-girlfriend and the ex's new boyfriend with domestic violence-related murder in a case that has shocked the local community.
Victim discovered with multiple stab wounds
The 48-year-old victim was discovered at a residence on Joshua Street in Goulburn at approximately 7am on January 3. NSW Police Detective Superintendent Joe Doueihi stated that investigators believe the woman was murdered on December 30, meaning her body remained undiscovered for nearly five days.
The alarm was raised by a friend of the deceased after she failed to attend a scheduled appointment. This prompted authorities to check her home, where they made the grim discovery.
Arrests and charges laid
Police arrested two individuals at a nearby property around 8.30am on Thursday, January 4. The suspects have been identified as 40-year-old Anne-Marie Streek, the victim's ex-girlfriend, and 44-year-old Stephen Henry Evans, Streek's new boyfriend.
Both have been charged with one count of domestic violence-related murder. They appeared before Bail Division Local Court 3 on Friday, where they did not apply for bail. The pair are scheduled to face Goulburn Local Court on April 15.
Relationship history revealed
Detective Superintendent Doueihi confirmed that Streek and the victim had been in a relationship for several years and had previously lived together at the Joshua Street address. Their relationship ended in May last year.
Following the breakup, Streek entered into a new relationship with Evans, who reportedly lives next door to the crime scene. Police allege the couple have been living together since forming their relationship.
Suspects' backgrounds and police appeal
Authorities revealed that Evans is known to police and has what was described as a significant history involving domestic violence, traffic offences, and other matters. Streek is also known to police, but for minor offences only.
Investigators believe the pair travelled to Lake Burrinjuck near Yass between December 31 and January 3. They were reportedly driving a light blue Toyota Camry towing a small white fishing boat on a trailer with registration CJ49XV.
Police are urging anyone who may have seen this vehicle during that period to come forward with information that could assist their investigation.
Domestic violence warning
Detective Superintendent Doueihi used this tragic case to emphasise that domestic violence is not limited to male-female relationships. He stated clearly that police do not tolerate any form of domestic violence, regardless of who the victims might be.
This case serves as a sobering reminder for people to remain vigilant in their relationships and to seek help if they feel unsafe or threatened in any way.
