Darwin police arrest alleged murderer in Malak after stabbing death of 37-year-old

The Top End community is reeling from the second suspected domestic homicide in just a week, as the major crime unit continues to investigate an alleged stabbing in a Malak backyard.

NT Police officers at a unit on Fawcett Court, Malak the morning after a 37-year-old man was allegedly murdered by his uncle, on October 7. Picture: Sierra Haigh

A sistergirl was allegedly stabbed by her uncle in a Darwin backyard in yet another suspected domestic violence homicide in the Territory.

NT Police confirmed a 34-year-old man was arrested after a 37-year-old was found stabbed in the backyard of a Malak unit complex on Monday evening, October 7.

It was alleged there were reports of a 37-year-old with a single stab wound to the chest in the rear yard of the complex on Fawcett Court about 9.35pm.

Northern Watch Commander Sean Patterson said when St John NT were called, the victim was “not conscious or breathing” and despite attempts at first aid for up to 30 minutes, the 37-year-old was declared deceased.

NT Police officers at a unit on Fawcett Court, Malak after a 37-year-old man was allegedly murdered by his uncle, aged 33 on October 7. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Detective Senior Sergeant John Beer confirmed the man in custody was the victim’s uncle.

Male pronouns were used in initial reports used for the alleged victim, however The NT News understands they were a member of the sistergirl community.

NT Police in a media conference on Tuesday morning initially said they were “unable to confirm” the 37-year-old’s pronouns at this stage of the investigation.

“Any incidents like this is a tragedy for the family and the community,” he said.

Multiple members of the Top End Queer community have confirmed the 37-year-old was a beloved sister, sharing their hurt over the loss of the young life.

Sergeant Beer said inquiries were also ongoing as to whether alcohol was involved in the alleged attack, and if the uncle and the victim were living together at the time.

NT Police officers at a unit on Fawcett Court, Malak after a 37-year-old man was allegedly murdered by his uncle, aged 34 on October 7. Picture: Sierra Haigh

The uncle is expected to be charged on Tuesday evening, and a Major Crime Unit was investigating at the scene.

A neighbour told this masthead she had heard a lot of noise coming “from that area” over the past three days.

The woman said she had heard a man screaming in the vicinity some nights before.

She said she had been asleep at the time of the incident but woke at about 1am.

She also said she’d seen a paddy wagon and flashing lights outside of her window, but nothing more.

NT Police in a statement on Tuesday morning urged those with information who had not yet spoken to police to contact 131 444 or Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000.

Asked about the state of crime prevention in the territory, Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said the government’s key priority was keeping the community safe.

“In the last six weeks, we’ve worked overtime to deliver a huge body of laws ready to go for the next two weeks of parliament, so we can start to put the rights of people to be safe above the rights of offenders, and give police the powers they need to protect Territorians,” she said.

Originally published as Darwin police arrest alleged murderer in Malak after stabbing death of 37-year-old