Woman, three children dead after single-car crash near Leeton

The best friend of a mother killed alongside three children in a horror fatal – which has shocked the Riverina – has revealed her last words with Tania Murphy. Warning: Deceased Indigenous people depicted.

The crash occurred at an intersection about 7km south of Leeton. Picture: Google Maps

The ‘best friend’ of mother-of-three Tania Murphy – who was killed alongside three children in a single vehicle crash in the Riverina – has revealed she “had to tell her daughter that she wasn’t coming home” in a heartfelt tribute.

It comes as devastated family of the 36-year-old rush to the tight-knit regional town of Yanco from Victoria “to be together” as a man and woman were taken into custody.

WARNING: This story contains images of deceased Indigenous people.

Emergency services responded to reports a vehicle had crashed into a pole before deflecting down an embankment into a water channel and onto its roof about 11.15pm at the intersection of Research and Toorak roads, Yanco on Tuesday night.

Tania Murphy, was killed alongside three children after her car crashed into a pole before rolling onto its roof in an embankment.

All four occupants of the vehicle died at the scene before the arrival of emergency services.

The occupants are yet to be formally identified, however, family and friends have confirmed 36-year-old Yanco woman Tania Murphy died in the incident, alongside three boys, Nathaniel Schmetzer, 12, Jeremiah Schmetzer, 11, and a third 10-year-old boy who is also a relative and yet to be identified.

Emergency services are currently at the scene of both the crash site and the woman's residence after a fatal incident involving a 36-year-old and three children. More to come. pic.twitter.com/H1Fno7mLsf

— Tijana Birdjan (@Tijanabirdy) April 5, 2023

A NSW Police spokeswoman said detectives launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash before attended a unit in Griffith just before 8am.

“Investigators spoke to a 32-year-old man and a 50-year-old woman who were subsequently arrested and taken to Griffith Police Station where they remain in custody,” the spokeswoman said.

A NSW Police spokesman confirmed about 7pm on Wednesday that the 50-year-old woman had been released from Griffith Police Station “without charge”.
One line of inquiry believed to be under investigated by police is whether there may have been an incident at the home before Ms Murphy packed herself and the three boys into her car and left.

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

The 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.

“I only spoke to her yesterday and I had to tell her daughter that she wasn’t coming home.

“She was awesome, we had lots of fun when we spent time together – the kids used to call me nanny – we were all one big family.

Nathaniel Schmetzer (left) and Jeremiah Schmetzer (right).

Nathaniel Schmetzer.

Ms Abraham said her and her family will make a physical tribute on Saturday consisting of flowers at the crash site to commemorate the victims.

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

“When I was driving to school I was in tears,” he said. “A tragedy like this really shakes up the entire town – I can’t imagine what her family must be going through.

“Being a teacher and being around children every day – these kids didn’t even get to experience their lives yet.”

Meanwhile, a Luke’s Cafe and Takeaway shop employee described Ms Murphy as “absolutely beautiful”.

“She was in here the other day – It’s still shocking to think about.”

Police sources in Leeton revealed “shell-shocked family members were travelling from interstate to be together on country following the death of Tania Murphy and the three children”.

“Family we have spoken to already can barely string a sentence together, they are clearly numb,” one source said.

In Yanco, officers taped off the home of Ms Murphy, which is owned by the Leeton and Districts Aboriginal Corporation.

The property is just 3km away from the the crash site.

Police have taped off a home in Yanco as they investigate the death of four people in a crash. Woman, three children dead after single-car crash near Leeton.

Police tape surrounded the house on Wednesday – with no residents inside – as a black Toyota Landcrusier with its bonnet open is parked in the driveway with a caravan attached.

Police, working to understand the gravity of the situation, are conducting door knocks of neighbouring properties.

About 11.15pm yesterday (Tuesday 4 April 2023), emergency services respond to reports that a vehicle had crashed into a pole and then deflected down an embankment into a water channel onto its roof at the intersection of Research Road and Toorak Road, Yanco – approximately 7km south of Leeton. Pic 7News

A neighbour of the Yanco woman, who did not wish to be named, told The Daily Telegraph they heard “loud cars” and “screeching” from within the home before police sirens were heard just minutes later.

“We knew them well,” he said while holding back tears.

A friend of Ms Murphy took to social media to pay tribute, describing the deaths as “heartbreaking”.

“Rest in paradise sweet lady and beautiful boys,” she said. “My heart breaks for your families.”

🚨UPDATE🚨 pic.twitter.com/hOqqbyg30M

— Tijana Birdjan (@Tijanabirdy) April 5, 2023

Leeton Shire mayor Tony Reneker said the community was in a “state of shock” following the fatalities on Tuesday night.

“The death of so many people in one family in a situation like this is unimaginable,” Cr Reneker said. “The community is experiencing shock, despair and disbelief that this could happen in our town.”

Leeton mayor Tony Reneker. Former police inspector, retired in 2017.

The mayor of the Riverina community issued “heartfelt condolence to family, friends and the wider community, who will be rocked by this horrific incident”.

Murray state Independent MP Helen Dalton said she was “shocked to learn of the devestating fatalities in Yanco”.

“This is a tight-knit community that is going to be rocked by this incident,” she said. “They will come together to support each other through this tragedy.”

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000.