Man charged with domestic violence offences as investigations into fatal car accident near Leeton

A man who police allege kicked in the door of Tania Murphy’s home minutes before she died in a car accident has appeared in court.

Emergency services retrieved the wreckage of the vehicle on Wednesday. Pictures: 9 News

WARNING: This story contains images of deceased Indigenous people.

The boyfriend of car crash ­victim Tania Murphy had kicked in the door of her Riverina home just 15 minutes before she drove off the road in an accident that claimed her life and the lives of her sons and another boy on Tuesday.

The 36-year-old was behind the wheel of the Hyundai Getz when it crashed into a pole in Yanco before deflecting down an embankment into a water channel and on to its roof, killing Ms Murphy and her sons Nathaniel, Jeremiah, and another boy.

No charges have been laid in connection with the fatal car accident.

Dean Cluney, 32, was arrested and charged with one count of aggravated break and enter, and two counts of stalk or intimidationintending to cause fear of physical or ­mental harm.

Tania Murphy, 36, and three others died in the crash.

Police alleged in a Court Attendance Notice, Cluney broke into Ms Murphy’s residence between 11.09pm and 11.20pm on April 4 in Yanco.

Cluney is due to reappear in court on June 8.

Dean Ingram will face court on Thursday. Picture: Facebook

Police on Wednesday arrested Cluney and a 50-year-old woman at a unit in Griffith as investigations into the crash continued.

No charges have been laid in relation to the car accident itself.

The occupants of the vehicle are yet to be formally identified, however, family and friends have confirmed Ms Murphy, a Yancowoman, died alongside her sons 12-year-old Nathaniel and 11-year-old Jeremiah Schmetzer, as well as a 10-year-old boy, understoodto be a relative.

Pictured: Nathaniel Schmetzer (left) Jeremiah Schmetzer (right)

Pictured: Nathaniel Schmetzer

“Officers attached to Murrumbidgee Police District have been told the rear door of a home in Cudgel St, Yanco, was allegedlykicked in and a resident threatened shortly after 11pm on Tuesday,” a NSW Police spokesman said.

“About 15 minutes later, a vehicle being driven along Research Rd left the road and crashed, resulting in the deaths of a36-year-old woman and three (others).”

The crash has rocked the tight-knit community.

Local teacher Arffaele Giampaolo said he was “absolutely devastated” when he found out about the crash on Wednesday morning.

Police taped of the scene of the crash on Wednesday as emergency services attmepted to retrieve the vehicle. Picture: 7News

“When I was driving to school I was in tears,” he said.

“A tragedy like this really shakes up the entire town.”

A NSW Education spokeswoman said the department was offering counsellors and extra staff to support students at Yanco Public School.

“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the family and friends of the people who lost their lives,” she said.

A neighbour of the mother of six, who did not wish to be named, said they heard “loud cars” and “screeching” from within thehome, before police sirens began blaring nearby just minutes later.

Leeton resident Julieanne Abraham said her last words to her “best friend for 11 years” were “I love you”.

“She has been the best mum, best friend and best lady I have ever met,” Ms Abraham said.

Murrumbidgee Police have renewed their calls for information about the car accident, urging people who may be able to assist the investigation to contact Griffith Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.