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Maddison Murphy-West: Coroner finds Pakenham mum didn’t take her own life

Pakenham mum Maddison Murphy-West didn’t take her own life, a Coroner has found as her heartbroken uncle reveals her family’s “nightmare” fight for justice.

Maddison Murphy-West was found dead in her Pakenham home in 2013.
Maddison Murphy-West was found dead in her Pakenham home in 2013.

The family of slain Pakenham mum Maddison Murphy-West say they feel vindicated after a coroner found she did not take her own life.

State Coroner Judge John Cain found that the 20-year-old’s boyfriend Troy Boothey — the prime suspect who died of a drug overdose last year — was capable of the actions necessary to cause her death.

It was revealed he later confessed to the October 2013 killing while in prison.

Ms Murphy-West’s mother Paula Murphy said the finding made her feel as though she “could breathe a bit better” — putting on the record her daughter did not die by her own hand.

“We got what we needed. It’s a fact now. Nobody can change that,’’ Ms Murphy said.

Maddison Murphy-West was a beloved young mum.
Maddison Murphy-West was a beloved young mum.
Ms Murphy-West in the days before she was found dead.
Ms Murphy-West in the days before she was found dead.

She added nothing would bring back her daughter but there was some vindication in a court confirming what the family knew from the first day.

“It’s a shame it didn’t happen before he died but what would he have got, anyway?” she said. “I believe he got the death penalty. He just got it early.”

Ms Murphy-West’s uncle, Shannon Murphy, said: “He was guilty as hell. He’s always been guilty. Our main priority has been justice for Maddy.”

Judge Cain said physical evidence and information from Ms Murphy-West’s doctor indicated she did not commit suicide.

The doctor had said there was no way Ms Murphy-West would leave her adored son Noah, who was just 21 months old when she died.

Boothey, an ice user who was violent and controlling, ­argued with Ms Murphy-West on the morning of her death.

Judge Cain said: “I am satisfied on the balance of probability that Mr Boothey was capable of the actions necessary to cause Ms Murphy-West’s death. Further, I am satisfied Ms Murphy-West did not take her own life.’’

The Murphy family — grandfather Gil, uncle Shannon, grandmother Anne, sister Kelly and mother Paula — never gave up the fight to get justice for Maddison.
The Murphy family — grandfather Gil, uncle Shannon, grandmother Anne, sister Kelly and mother Paula — never gave up the fight to get justice for Maddison.
Troy Boothey and Maddison Murphy-West.
Troy Boothey and Maddison Murphy-West.

Boothey told police he found Ms Murphy-West lifeless in a bedroom as a result of self-harm. But his story changed during prison stints.

A cellmate said that in late 2015 or early 2016 Boothey talked in his sleep and had stated that “he had ‘knocked her’, that he didn’t mean it — he just lost it and choked her’’, Judge Cain said.

In May 2017, another cellmate asked him about ­rumours he was involved.

“Mr Boothey stated that it could not be proved,’’ the coroner said. “(Witness) in his sworn statement to police states Mr Boothey told him to the effect that he had killed Ms Murphy-West and gotten away with it.”

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, phone 000. For sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling services call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit www.1800RESPECT.org.au

wes.hosking@news.com.au

Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/truecrimeaustralia/police-courts/maddison-murphywest-coroner-finds-pakenham-mum-didnt-take-her-own-life/news-story/1ee74cdddca57eb8d36a3c45265a18f8