Big update for man accused of murdering partner in Penrith hotel

A man accused of murdering his on-again and off-again partner inside a hotel will undergo a series of forensic procedures.

A former kickboxer charged with the murder of his partner inside a Penrith hotel room will undergo forensic testing as part of the police investigation, a court has been told.

Darren John Berry, 53, was charged with murder after the body of Shirley So, 50, was found inside the Pullman Hotel in Sydney’s west in November last year.

Emergency services were called to the hotel on Mulgoa Rd shortly after 1pm on Sunday, November 10 after Ms So’s body was found in one of the rooms.

Darren Berry was charged with murder. Picture: Facebook

He is alleged to have killed his partner. Picture: Facebook.

Mr Berry had also suffered cuts to his arms, police said.

He was flown to Westmead Hospital before he was charged with murder.

He has not entered a plea.

Shirley So’s body was found inside the Pullman Hotel at Penrith in November last year. Picture: NewsWire/Tom Parrish.

Penrith Local Court on Friday was told that police had applied for forensic procedures to take swabs from Mr Berry as they investigate Ms So’s death.

Mr Berry, through his solicitor, consented to the procedure, the court was told.

“Given the gravity of the offence and the seriousness of the offence and the non-invasive nature of the procedures sought, I find that the orders are justified in the circumstances,” magistrate Stephen Corry said.

Mr Berry will return to court in March.