Man charged with murdering his partner at Ballina in northern NSW

A man has been charged with murdering his partner after her body was found in an laneway in a northern NSW town. Here’s what we know.

Park View funeral services at the scene. Picture: Sarah Buckley.

A man has been charged with murdering his partner after the woman’s body was found in a laneway at Ballina in northern NSW.

The 66-year-old man went in to Ballina Police Station and reported a welfare concern about the woman he was in a relationship with about 12.30am on Wednesday, according to NSW Police.

The scene was concealed by a blue tarp, shielding onlookers. Picture: Sarah Buckley

Officers believed the request for a welfare check was suspicious

Richmond Police District Commander Superintendent Scott Tanner said police escorted the alleged murderer to the location of the woman on Holden Lane, near Cherry St.

The woman, thought to be aged 64, was found to have suffered “significant head injuries”.

Richmond Police District Commander Superintendent Scott Tanner. Picture: Cath Piltz

Supt Tanner said the Salvation Army in Ballina, a charity hub for the community, quickly turned into a “severe crime scene”.

Police believe the alleged murder occurred between 7pm on Tuesday and 12am on Wednesday.

The man was arrested at the police station.

He has since been charged with domestic violence-related murder and contravening an apprehended domestic violence order.

The man has been refused bail.

Holden Lane, Ballina. Picture: Google

The location where the woman’s body was found was concealed by a blue tarpaulin, shielding onlookers, on Wednesday morning. A large police vehicle was parked beside the tarp.

Parkview Funeral services workers were also on scene, alongside police.

Richmond Police District detectives and the State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad have launched an investigation into the woman’s death under Strike Force Blaikie.

Officers were yet to determine the suspect’s mental health.

The man is expected to face Lismore Local Court on Thursday.

Investigations are continuing. Know more? Phone Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Originally published as Man charged with murdering his partner at Ballina in northern NSW