A man has been charged with the murder of a woman he allegedly knew, following her discovery in a backyard in Melbourne’s west. Emergency services responded to a call around 9:05 am on Thursday, where they found the body of the 42-year-old woman, who reportedly sustained stab wounds.
The accused, 41-year-old Jessie James Tumaliuan, was arrested later that day at a residence on Retford Close in Werribee. While the woman’s identity is yet to be officially confirmed, Tumaliuan is believed to be married and a father of four, as per his social media profiles.
In a court appearance on the following day, Tumaliuan appeared dressed in a white T-shirt, where arrangements were made for future hearings. The prosecution requested a three-month period to collect further evidence, which will be shared with Tumaliuan’s defence team. The additional time is aimed at clarifying the circumstances surrounding the woman’s death and gathering statements from her family, who reside abroad.
During the proceedings, Magistrate Andrew Halse informed Tumaliuan that he would remain in custody until his next court date. No bail application was made at this time, and Tumaliuan acknowledged the decision before being led out of the courtroom by officers.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about domestic violence and the tragic outcomes that can arise from such incidents. Authorities are continuing their investigation, striving to piece together the sequence of events that led to this grievous crime.