Cambridge Park woman’s death treated as homicide, brother charged
The brother of a 20-year-old woman whose body was found six days after her death in Sydney’s west will face a murder charge over her death.
Police & Courts
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The brother of 20-year-old Gabriella Delaney has been charged with her murder after police found her decomposing body in a Western Sydney home.
Lucas Christian Delaney, 30, was charged with one count of murder on Tuesday afternoon at Parramatta police station after he was arrested following the gruesome discovery of his sister’s body.
Earlier on Tuesday, he had a mental health assessment at Cumberland Hospital before being questioned by police.
Detectives have been trying to piece together his movements from when Gabriella last spoke to her family and when her body was found.
The Daily Telegraph understands Mr Delaney had checked himself into the public psychiatric hospital and used his credit card to book hotels during the last few days.
Gabriella Delaney’s body was found in her Cambridge Park home on Monday about 9pm after her parents, who live in Western Australia, said they were concerned for her welfare.
Initial tests show she could have died up to six days ago.
Nepean Police Detective Inspector Jason Pietruszka said it was harrowing for first responders.
“It was quite a confronting scene, the young lady had not been seen for six days and police who entered the scene described it as devastating, very confronting,” he said.
“It’s tragic, a 20 year-old woman with her life before her has been cut short … it’s a stain on the community when something like this happens.”
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The siblings had lived with their parents in Sydney before the family moved back to Western Australia after their father landed a new job.
However, Gabriella moved back to NSW to attend university and lived with her brother in the Barlow St home.
Identifying herself as a “Kamilaroi woman living on Darug land” Gabriella studied a Bachelor of Graphic Design at Western Sydney University and was featured in the university’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education brochure.
While stating in the brochure she hadn’t decided “what I would like to do once I’m finished’ her university degree, Gabriella had a social media account dedicated to posting regular pictures of her artworks for others to enjoy.
“Stunning! Amazing talent. I’m super jealous. Keep working and perfecting this amazing gift you’ve been given. You can do so much with it,” one friend wrote underneath a painting Gabriella posted online.
Neighbours recalled Gabriella as being “nice” and “friendly” whenever they saw her.
Paris Stanners, 22, said while neighbours “didn’t know her well” the 20 year-old’s death was “shocking”.
“It’s shocked us, being so close to home,” Ms Stanners said. “She was a very friendly girl, a nice girl with a lot of potential. She used to say hello if we saw her on the street.”
Ms Stanners said occupants of the home where her body was found were allegedly known for “partying”.“
“It’s been a bit quieter recently, we thought it was odd, she’s been a lot quieter than normal,” she said.
Another neighbour said they hadn’t heard any disturbance on Monday on what was “a quiet street”.
“I’ve been here 20 years, it’s always been quiet,” said the neighbour, who didn’t want to be identified. “It’s had its ups and downs with drama but it’s a good street.”
Delaney will appear at Parramatta Local Court on Wednesday.