Jason Patterson charged with murder of his sister who was allegedly set on fire in Deniliquin

A 42-year-old woman has died after she was allegedly set on fire by her brother after suffering serious head injuries. A 31-year-old man has been charged with murder.

A man has been charged with murder after his sister was allegedly set alight and died in the state’s Murray River region.

Jason Patterson, 31, appeared before Griffith Local Court via video link after he was charged with the murder of his sister, who he set on fire after a domestic dispute.

The 31-year-old man, the brother of the woman who died, was arrested at the home and taken to Deniliquin police station where he was charged with murder (DV) and refused bail.

Emergency services were called to a home on Dick Street in Deniliquin about 1.50pm on Wednesday after a 42-year-old woman suffered serious head injuries before she was allegedly set on fire.

A 31-year-old man was charged with murder at Deniliquin police station.

Police found a 42-year-old woman suffering from severe head injuries and she had also been set on fire, unfortunately she died at the scene.

Murray River Police Superintendent Paul Smith confirmed the deceased woman and the man who has been charged were related.

He said it was a ‘traumatic incident’ for everyone involved.

“Any homicide is atrocious for the family and friends, what we need to stress is that one person is in custody and we are not looking for any other persons at this time,” Spt Smith said.

“The police and emergency services attending did a great job, unfortunately despite their efforts the woman died at the scene.

“Unfortunately we see these incidents in all of communities at different times, the important thing is that we have one (alleged) offender in custody, we are not looking for anyone else and there is no immediate threat to the public.

“For any members of the public who have been affected by the traumatic event, we encourage you to contact Lifeline or Beyond Blue.”

Superintended Paul Smith told The Wagga News the male senior constable who suffered burns to his hand while trying to extinguish the blaze has been treated and released from hospital.

Police established a crime scene and are investigating the circumstances surrounding the woman’s death.

It is not yet known if the woman was alive when her body was set on fire, or if there was a weapon used.

Mr Patterson will remain in custody until his next appearance before Griffith Local Court on February 8.