Dennis Naroldol expected to plead over alleged stabbing of wife near DoubleTree Hilton

A Territory judge has heard a man who allegedly stabbed a talented artist, and left her to bleed out metres from the Federal Indigenous Affairs minister, is expected to enter a plea to a lesser charge.

It was alleged the 56-year-old stabbed his wife in front of her family, with the bleeding woman bursting into the DoubleTree Hilton looking for help. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

A man who allegedly stabbed his wife and left her to bleed out metres from the Federal Indigenous Affairs minister could enter a plea to a lesser charge, the Supreme Court has heard.

Supreme Court Justice Meredith Huntingford was told that Dennis Naroldol was ready to enter a plea, almost two years after a 51-year-old woman was allegedly fatally stabbed in 2023.

The 51-year-old mother, who has not been named for cultural reasons, was remembered by her family as a happy, smiling woman and a ‘fantastic’ artist and basket weaver from the award-winning Injalak Arts centre, in Gunbalanya.

It was alleged 56-year-old Dennis Naroldol stabbed his wife in front of her family, with the bleeding woman bursting into the DoubleTree Hilton looking for help. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

On the night of April 14, she and Mr Naroldol were homeless and long grassing near the Esplanade, in Darwin.

It was alleged the 56-year-old stabbed his wife in front of her family, with the bleeding woman bursting into the DoubleTree Hilton looking for help.

Then Indigenous Australians Minister Linda Burney was staying at the hotel, and comforted the dying woman’s family while staff desperately tried to save her.

Then-Indigenous Australians Minister Linda Burney was staying at the hotel, and comforted the dying woman’s family while staff desperately tried to save her. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman

The 51-year-old passed away shortly after being taken to Royal Darwin Hospital on April 14.

Mr Naroldol was charged with her murder, which if found guilty he would face life in prison with a 20 year non-parole period.

However two years after the beloved artist’s alleged murder, her husband is expected to finally enter a plea to a different charge — avoiding a trial and the mandatory sentencing rules.

Prosecutor Tamara Grealy told Justice Huntingford that “discussions” with his defence barrister had been successful, resulting in a new agreed charge.

“There is utility in listing it for a plea now,” Ms Grealy said.

The Supreme Court did not hear what the new charge would be, and Mr Naroldol‘s matter was adjourned to February 20.

Originally published as Dennis Naroldol expected to plead over alleged stabbing of wife near DoubleTree Hilton