A mother from Sydney, Shereen Kumar, has been tragically remembered for her vibrant spirit after being murdered by her partner, Vincent Carlino. Carlino, aged 40, entered a guilty plea for the crime committed in July 2022, where he concealed Kumar’s body in black plastic bags and disposed of her remains in bushland near their home in Dural.
Following her death, Carlino misled police by claiming that Kumar had gone missing while out for a walk in her pyjamas. Friends and family described Kumar as a kind and compassionate woman who had an extraordinary ability to brighten every room she entered. Erika Wadlow-Smith, a close friend, reflected on Kumar’s character, noting her warmth, her love for animals, and her unwavering support for others. Wadlow-Smith emphasised the urgent need for action against domestic violence, a pervasive issue affecting many relationships not only in Australia but globally.
Justice Sarah McNaughton, who presided over the case, expressed deep sorrow as she recounted a poignant victim impact statement made by Kumar’s young son during the trial. The heart-wrenching statement highlighted the dreams and milestones that Kumar would now miss out on, such as her son’s graduations, first job, and personal achievements.
In sentencing, Justice McNaughton handed down a 21-year prison term to Carlino, with a minimum of 15 years without the possibility of parole. She underscored the nature of the crime as an attack on a woman in her own home—an environment where she should have felt safe. While Carlino claimed he did not intend to kill Kumar, the court determined that he did intend to inflict serious harm. His actions to conceal the murder were described as deceptive.
Carlino, who had no prior convictions, was undergoing treatment for anxiety and depression at the time. On the day of the crime, he made numerous attempts to contact Kumar, calling her over 120 times in less than an hour, raising concerns about his mental state and suggesting the need for ongoing support and therapy.
The case has reignited discussions on domestic violence, with calls for politicians to implement measures that would help prevent future tragedies. Authorities have highlighted the importance of awareness and response systems for those in perilous domestic situations, amplifying the message that every effort must be made to protect vulnerable individuals in their own homes.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, support is available through services like 1800 RESPECT at 1800 737 732 and the Men’s Referral Service at 1300 766 491.