Death of Ocean Grove mother Samantha Kelly still a mystery

IN the midst of a spate of domestic homicides, there is still silence from police on what happened to Ocean Grove mum Samantha Kelly, more than 200 days after she was found unconscious in her home before dying in hospital.

Ocean Grove’s Samantha Kelly with partner Ryan Marriner.

IN the midst of a spate of domestic homicides, there is still silence from police on what happened to Ocean Grove mum Samantha Kelly, more than 200 days after she was found unconscious in her home before dying in hospital.

All police will confirm is that the matter remains with the Homicide Squad — but not whether they have completed their autopsy, what the autopsy shows, or whether they are conducting further interviews with suspects.

Paramedics were called to the Conran Drive family home Ms Kelly shared with her plumber partner Ryan Marriner and two young sons about 5.15am on Australia Day.

The 42-year-old RMIT-schooled marketing executive, remembered by friends as a “beautiful lady who thought the world of her boys”, was taken to Geelong hospital but died shortly afterwards.

Police are understood to have interviewed Mr Marriner but have not suggested he was involved in her death.

Officers have not released any information on the coroner’s report.

In the wake of a statement from Mr Marriner, proclaiming his wife died of a heart attack, police issued a statement confirming the death remained the subject of a homicide inquiry.

“The investigation remains ongoing with a number of forensic procedures still being completed,” police media spokeswoman Natalie Webster said. “We can assure the community that this matter remains an active investigation for the Homicide Squad.”

Police have also not divulged whether they are looking at alternative theories or any potential medical conditions Ms Kelly may have had.

Mr Marriner took to social media in February to raise money to “restore” his family. The GoFundMe page raised $840 and has since been closed.

In a statement, 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.”

The Addy has been contacted by a number of residents wanting to find out what happened to the much-loved mum. These residents watched as detectives in “forensic suits” scoured the house for two days.

Paramedics were initially called to the address on the night of her death with reports of a “medical incident” before police were called in to exam the scene.

The Homicide Squad was called shortly after police arrived.

In the 218 days since Ms Kelly’s death, police have not discussed the cause of her demise or confirmed if they have any suspects.

The mystery around Ms Kelly’s death comes as the number of women dying in their own home comes under the microscope.

At least 42 women have died violently in Australia so far this year, according to Destroy the Joint’s Counting Dead Women project.

Victoria’s homicide boss Detective Inspector Tim Day last month told 3AW that despite the heavy media attention the number of domestic-related murders were falling.

“If you look at the type of workload that we have now, there are far less homicides that we investigate overall compared to what we had in the 70s and 80s,” Mr Day said.

“I think that’s as a direct result of the police and community commitment to tackling domestic violence.”

Anyone with information call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Originally published as Death of Ocean Grove mother Samantha Kelly still a mystery