Cowes locals in shock as charges laid in Samantha Fraser’s murder
RELIEF and sadness swept through the heartbroken Cowes community as police laid charges against Samantha Fraser’s alleged killer.
Law & Order
Don't miss out on the headlines from Law & Order. Followed categories will be added to My News.
RELIEF and sadness swept through the heartbroken Cowes community as police laid charges against Samantha Fraser’s alleged killer.
The town has been on edge since news of the much-loved mum’s death came to light.
On Thursday there was an outpouring of emotion as her ex-husband, Adrian Basham, was charged with her murder.
Ms Fraser’s neighbour, Toni Smith, said the community would never recover from her tragic killing.
EX-HUSBAND CHARGED OVER MURDER OF COWES MUM
LOCALS AID COPS IN HUNT FOR MUM’S KILLER
FORMER FRIENDS LABEL EX-HUSBAND ‘CONTROL FREAK’
“I don’t think anyone will ever move past this. We will just have to learn to carry it with us,” she said.
“The sadness and dismay enveloping our community is as overwhelming as it is unbelievable.”
Few remain unaffected by the loss of the mother of three, a popular local psychologist.
Almost everywhere in town, the tragedy is evident.
White ribbons are tied to cypress trees lining the main road, and are pinned to locals’ clothing. The Cowes Cultural Centre has been transformed into a memorial for Ms Fraser, decorated with flowers, handwritten letters and anti-domestic violence messages.
An online fundraising campaign has generated more than $56,000 to support Ms Fraser’s three young children, while many local businesses have also set up collections.
Her closest friends have had white ribbons tattooed to their arms to raise awareness and remember their beautiful friend.
“If a bird dies here, everyone knows,” one said.
“It’s tragic.”
Mr Basham’s dark past was revealed this week by former friends who distanced themselves from him when his behaviour began to spiral following the breakdown of his marriage last year.
One said: “Knowing he is in custody gives some peace of mind.”
Ms Fraser’s friends say her death must not be in vain.
She worked at Cowes Medical Centre yet found it difficult to find help in her own awful situation.
“That’s the bitter irony. She was working to help families and now hers is destroyed,” said Ms Smith.
Her boss and close friend Alice Bradley said laws must change to better protect victims of domestic violence.
She also wants police to be better trained to deal with victims, and a safe place for them to stay to be set up within the community.
“We need a refuge for women on Phillip Island. There are none,” she said.
Ms Bradley added: “The world is not as bright a place now she’s not with us. But hopefully we can achieve something positive from this.”