Husband of dead Ocean Grove mum Samantha Kelly, Ryan Marriner, asks for ‘substantial money’ as homicide squad investigates
THE husband of Ocean Grove mum-of-two Samantha Kelly who died after being found unconscious in her home on Australia Day, has asked for “substantial money” to tell his story as homicide cops continue to investigate.
Law & Order
Don't miss out on the headlines from Law & Order. Followed categories will be added to My News.
AS the homicide squad continues to investigate Ocean Grove mum Samantha Kelly’s death, her husband Ryan Marriner has asked for “substantial money” to tell his story and told News Corp “I’m just trying to be the best dad I can be”.
The 42-year-old mum died on Australia Day after she was found unconscious in the Conran Drive home she shared with her plumber husband and their two young sons.
Paramedics were called to the scene about 5am and took Ms Kelly to hospital, where she later died.
RELATED NEWS:
DEATH OF OCEAN GROVE MUM STILL A MYSTERY
HOMICIDE SQUAD CONTINUES TO PROBE MUM’S DEATH
OCEAN GROVE FATHER SPEAKS OUT ABOUT PARTNER
Later that day, the homicide squad was called to investigate and officers were seen wearing forensic suits as they scoured the property for evidence.
In the 255 days since the RMIT-schooled marketing executive died, police have only confirmed the matter remains an active investigation for the homicide squad.
They have not revealed whether there are any suspects or people of interest relating to Ms Kelly’s death.
It is understood police interviewed Mr Marriner earlier this year.
When contacted to tell his story, Mr Marriner refused an interview, but suggested he could write an opinion piece “if the money was right”.
“I’m just trying to be the best dad I can be under unbelievably difficulty circumstances, Samantha expects nothing less of me,” he wrote.
He said he was after “substantial money” for a column.
Shortly afterwards, Mr Marriner withdrew his offer, saying: “I’ve reconsidered. Just forget it. I’m not prepared to do an interview under any circumstances. Sorry for the confusion.”
News Corp offered to donate $500 to a charity of Mr Marriner’s choice in return for his story, but he has not replied.
It comes after Mr Marriner reportedly requested $200,000 for an interview with Channel 9.
A month after his wife’s death he set up a social media account to raise money to “restore” his family.
In an online statement he proclaimed his wife died of a heart attack but this has never been confirmed by police.
The GoFundMe page raised about $800 and has since been closed.
A criminal history check has confirmed Mr Marriner faced court in 2012.
He pleaded guilty to reckless conduct endangering serious injury and was put on a good behaviour bond, without conviction.
MORE NEWS:
WOMAN MISSING AFTER UPWAY HOUSE FIRE
THE 20 BEST DISHES TO EAT IN VICTORIA RIGHT NOW
VISA CHANGES BAN MIGRANTS FROM AUSSIE CITIES
In a statement released in February, Mr Marriner said: “Our family has suffered the worst loss imaginable. On the 26th of January, Samantha, my wife and my boys’ mother, tragically and unexpectedly died of cardiac arrest.”
Social media photos reveal he has spent the recent school holidays interstate with the couple’s two sons.
“Great time walking in Tassie. Especially because I’m with the two best little boys in the world,” Mr Marriner posted on October 1, along with photos of Tasmania’s Freycinet Peninsula and his sons.
Victoria Police did not respond to specific questions relating to Ms Kelly’s death, instead referring News Corpto a previous statement.
“The investigation remains ongoing with a number of forensic procedures still being completed,” a spokeswoman said.
“We can assure the community that this matter remains an active investigation for the homicide squad.”
Originally published as Husband of dead Ocean Grove mum Samantha Kelly, Ryan Marriner, asks for ‘substantial money’ as homicide squad investigates