Patrick Jungala Nolan charged with murder of artist wife, 51, in Alice Springs

The man accused of killing an internationally recognised artist, and leaving her body near the Alice Springs River has appeared in court for the first time. Read the latest.

Patrick Jungala Nolan, 49, faced the Alice Springs Local Court charged with the murder of his wife on Monday January 13. Picture: Gera Kazakov

The man accused of murdering his wife and leaving her body on the banks of a dry river in Alice Springs has appeared in court for the first time since has charged.

Patrick Jungala Nolan was called before Alice Springs Local Court on Wednesday charged with the murder of his wife, a Western Desert woman and mother, whose paintings were internationally recognised.

The 51-year-old Haasts Bluff woman, who has not been named for cultural reasons, was the first Australian woman allegedly lost to domestic violence for 2025.

Police have alleged the couple were near the Todd River, Alice Springs around midnight on Monday when he allegedly attacked her with a non-edged weapon.

Police have previously alleged Mr Nolan called triple-0 at 12.20am to report that a woman was unresponsive near the Todd River.

First responders arrived within 11 minutes, but despite resuscitation efforts she was soon declared deceased.

It was alleged the 49-year-old was arrested at a nearby location.

It was alleged the Papunya man was already on a domestic violence order at the time of her death.

Mr Nolan was charged with her murder as well as breaching the protective order.

Judge John McBride remanded Mr Nolan into custody, with his matter adjourned to March 20 for a preliminary examination mention.

Originally published as Patrick Jungala Nolan charged with murder of artist wife, 51, in Alice Springs