A man named Anthony “Tony” Eriksen, aged 63, has been found guilty of murdering his partner, Lisa Fenwick, during an incident in their Sydney apartment in April 2023. Eriksen, who pleaded not guilty, defended his actions in a trial at the New South Wales Supreme Court.
The court heard that 59-year-old Fenwick was discovered on the bedroom floor with severe stab wounds, covered by a blood-stained washcloth. Prosecutors revealed she had been repeatedly stabbed in vital areas, including her heart and lungs, using a kitchen knife – the weapon was found in the sink with blood on it. After brief deliberation, the jury convicted Eriksen of murder.
Tensions between the couple escalated over disagreements about their living situation. Fenwick had expressed a desire for Eriksen to vacate the apartment, having previously supported him financially during a period of unemployment. An argument reportedly sparked after she sent him a text with a link to a house-sharing website, leading to the deadly confrontation.
Witnesses testified that Fenwick had confided her fears about Eriksen to friends, indicating her concerns for her safety. Such messages included one in which she explicitly mentioned, “I am fearful of Tony… I just need to have a record if something happens to me.”
Emergency responders found Fenwick with multiple stab wounds deemed “incompatible with life,” while Eriksen was discovered at the scene wearing a bathrobe and stained with dried blood. In a 000 call, Eriksen admitted to arguing with Fenwick and stated, “I put a knife in her.”
Eriksen is set to be sentenced at a future court date.