A tragic incident has unfolded in a rural area of Victoria, Australia, where Timothy Loosemore, a British national, is on trial for the murder of Maree Vermont and for arson connected to her home fire on August 5, 2023. Loosemore, who has pleaded not guilty, was staying at Vermont’s property for free in exchange for work.
Neighbours have testified about hearing an argument between Loosemore and Vermont on the night of her death. Kyman Share, who lives nearby, recounted encountering Loosemore, covered in soot, after seeing Vermont’s home engulfed in flames. Share described a loud popping noise that sounded like an explosion around 10 pm, prompting him to investigate.
After attempting to contact emergency services without success due to poor reception, Share returned to the scene. He met another neighbour, Peter Greenham, who had been alerted by Loosemore. Greenham noted that Loosemore appeared soot-covered, with scratches on his face and blood on his arms, and was noticeably anxious, urgently asking them to phone for help.
When asked about Vermont’s whereabouts, Loosemore claimed, “we had an argument, it wasn’t a big argument.” Despite their efforts, both Share and Greenham found it impossible to get close to the burning house to search for Vermont due to the intensity of the fire.
Afterward, the two neighbours witnessed Loosemore, seemingly in shock and repeating that he could not comprehend what had occurred. Paramedics later treated him for injuries, as they noted dry blood on his face and arms, alongside the devastating discovery of Vermont’s body inside the burnt structure.
This incident has raised significant concerns regarding the events leading up to Vermont’s death and the circumstances surrounding the fire, with Loosemore being accused of either murdering her or assaulting her before attempting to cover up the act by setting her home alight. The trial continues as the community grapples with the shocking events of that night.