Vasilis Vergulis dies in prison after pleading not guilty to murdering wife, shooting daughter at Campbelltown in 2023

A man who pleaded not guilty to murdering his wife and shooting his daughter during an Adelaide siege has been found dead.

Vasilis Vergulis is taken into custody. Picture: 7NEWS

The man accused of murdering his wife and shooting his daughter in their driveway has taken his own life in prison 16 months after denying criminal charges.

The Advertiser can reveal a report will be prepared for the state coroner following the death of Vasilis Vergulis in prison this week.

He was found dead just before noon on May 28.

Mr Vergulis, 52, of Campbelltown had pleaded not guilty to counts of murder, attempted murder, and causing serious harm.

Those charges related to an alleged incident that sparked a siege at Campbelltown in July 2023.

Daniela Vergulis was 22 when she was allegedly shot by her father Vasilis Vergulis. Picture: Supplied

Aleksandra Vergulis was allegedly shot by her husband Vasilis Vergulis at Campbelltown in 2023. Picture: Supplied

Previously, prosecutors alleged Mr Verghulis murdered his wife, Aleksandra, in the driveway by shooting her.

They further alleged he also shot the couple’s daughter, Daniela, who was rushed to hospital with life-threatening injuries.

Aleksandra worked for the University of SA’s education futures unit as an executive assistant.

Daniela, who recovered from her injuries, is a legal secretary in the Crown Solicitors’ capital office.

Mr Vergulis’ identity was suppressed for many months following the alleged incident.

That suppression was lifted in January 2024 when he pleaded not guilty to the charges and was ordered to stand trial.

On Friday, a Department for Correctional Services spokeswoman confirmed that “on 28 May a prisoner was found unresponsive at Port Augusta Prison”.

“SA Ambulance Service arrived just before noon and pronounced the individual deceased,” she said.

“The Office for Correctional Services Review has been notified and will liaise with SA Police.

“All deaths in custody are subject to a coronial investigation.”

Originally published as Vasilis Vergulis dies in prison after pleading not guilty to murdering wife, shooting daughter at Campbelltown in 2023