Family of Maddison Murphy-West speak out
A new twist in the murder case of young mum Maddison Murphy-West, has left her family devastated and robbed at a chance to get justice.
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The prime suspect in the death of a young Melbourne mum has been found dead.
Troy Boothey died at his Hastings home early Saturday, while still at the centre of a homicide squad investigation into the 2013 death of his girlfriend Maddison Murphy-West.
His death is being investigated by police but they do not believe it was suspicious.
It is understood he overdosed on drugs.
Boothey, a violent ice addict, was the only person being investigated over the 20-year-old mum’s death.
His sudden death came as a shock to her family, who feel they have been robbed at a chance for justice.
Aunt Kelly Anne Murphy told the Herald Sun said their only relief was that they no longer felt unsafe.
“It's a shock,” she said.
“We have mixed emotions.
“We are glad that he’s gone … we are no longer looking over our shoulders but we had hoped he would eventually face charges.”
Ms Murphy-West’s family hope with Boothey dead others may come forward with information that could help police crack the case.
“People may not feel scared anymore,” said her aunt.
The matter will now be subject to an inquest where answers on what happened to Ms Murphy-West may finally be publicly revealed.
The mother’s body was found at her Ahern Rd, Pakenham home in what was initially thought to be a suicide.
The couple’s young son was at the property at the time.
Investigators later uncovered indications that she had been murdered and that the crime scene was manipulated to give the impression of self-harm.
The spotlight of suspicion fell on Boothey, who had previously put Ms Murphy-West in hospital.
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He had also broken his own father’s arm, been responsible for a woman’s terrifying road rage ordeal and had convictions for drug and theft offences.
Boothey — who has been in and out of custody for years — reportedly was dealing drugs within hours of Ms Murphy-West’s death.
Ms Murphy-West sent texts from a hospital in 2012 where she was being treated after being attacked by Boothey.
Those messages showed she was in fear of her life.
A Victoria Police spokesperson said: “The death of Maddison Murphy-West is subject of an ongoing investigation by the Homicide Squad.”
“No person has been charged and police are preparing a report for the Coroner.”