Warning: This story contains the name and images of a deceased Indigenous person.
Disturbing footage has been presented at an inquest investigating the perplexing death of Lisa Murphy, who experienced cardiac arrest following an incident where a hot coffee was thrown at her in Melbourne. The coroner must determine if Murphy’s death was directly linked to the altercation that occurred at a Caulfield service station in 2022 or if it was merely a tragic coincidence.
During the inquest, Sarah Franklin, the woman who tossed the drink, provided testimony. She recounted feeling provoked after Murphy allegedly called her a "white racist Jew", which prompted Franklin to respond by throwing her coffee. The court heard that an altercation ensued when Murphy lunged at Franklin and bit her. Franklin, feeling threatened, punched Murphy and attempted to restrain her.
Franklin described the encounter as frightening, stating that Murphy was surprisingly strong. After the confrontation, Murphy soon lost consciousness, and unfortunately, no one began CPR until the police arrived. Authorities reported that Murphy had a history of drug use and complex health issues, and she succumbed to her condition in hospital days later.
A forensic pathologist noted that the scuffle may have triggered Murphy’s cardiac event, yet other factors could also be at play concerning her death. Franklin, initially sentenced to four months in jail for her actions, successfully appealed her sentence and was released.
The coroner acknowledged the possibility that the physical clash played a role in Murphy’s demise but emphasised that evidence suggests multiple contributing factors. A formal ruling from the coroner is expected later this year.