Wendy Elizabeth Chattaway charged with ‘predatory driving’ after four killed in Leeton crash

A Riverina woman has faced court charged with predatory driving following a fatal crash near Wagga which claimed the lives of a young mother and her three passengers.

Two people have been charged after Tania Murphy, 36, and three passengers were killed in a crash near Leeton, in the NSW Riverina region on April 4.

WARNING: This story contains images of deceased indigenous people.

A Darlington Point woman has been granted bail after being charged with predatory driving following a fatal crash near Wagga.

Wendy Elizabeth Chattaway was arrested on Friday following investigations into the deaths of 36-year-old Tania Murphy and her three passengers who died in a crash near Leeton on April 4.

Fifteen minutes before the crash, her boyfriend Dean Cluney, 32, allegedly kicked down the rear door of her home on Cudgel St, Yanco.

About 15 minutes later, the Hyundai Getz Ms Murphy was driving along Research Rd left the road and crashed.

Tania Murphy, 36, died when her car crashed into a pole on April 4. Picture: Facebook

The car hit a pole and rolled down an embankment before landing roof down in a water channel about 11.15pm. The occupants of the vehicle – Ms Murphy and three passengers – all died at the scene.

Mr Cluney was arrested the following day during a police investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident which killed his girlfriend.

The Hyundai Getz Ms Murphy was driving was totalled in the crash. Picture: Today.

The 32-year-old was charged with two counts of stalking or intimidating someone with the intention of causing them to fear harm and one charge of aggravated break and enter.

Following police investigations, Ms Chattaway was arrested at Griffith police station about 1pm on Friday.

She was charged with predatory driving, driver not disclose identity of driver/passenger as required and hinder investigation serious indictable offence of other.

The woman appeared in Wagga Wagga Local Court on Saturday where she was granted bail on strict conditions.

Wendy Elizabeth Chattaway faced Wagga Wagga Local Court on June 24, 2023. Picture: Sam Turner

Ms Chattaway was to report to Griffith police station daily between 8am and 6pm, seven days a week. She must spend each night at her Darlington Point home and not be absent from the property between 8pm and 6am.

The 50-year-old must not go near, contact or try to go near any prosecution witnesses and not commit any further offences. Her matter was adjourned to Griffith Local Court on June 28.

Ms Murphy and the three passengers died at the scene before paramedics could arrive.

Loved ones have remembered her as a loving woman and great friend.

“She was just a wonderful person, would do anything for her family,” a close friend said.

“Nothing sort of got her down, she just loved life, she was a great friend. I think she’s going to be sadly missed.”

Ms Murphy leaves behind a daughter who was not in the car at the time of the crash.

“I just feel so sorry for all the family members that are involved in it, especially that tiny little girl,” Ms Murphy’s friend said.

“It’s a tragedy that’s happened and she’ll be sadly missed by a lot of people.”

Inquiries are continuing.