Isei Navutovuto dies in hospital after killing partner Florrie Reuben in Ayr house fire
A man who was being investigated for the murder of his wife in a horrific Ayr house fire has died in hospital before police could lay any charges.
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A MAN who was being investigated for the murder of his wife in a horrific Ayr house fire has died in hospital.
Isei Navutovuto, 65, reportedly had his life support turned off at Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital on Monday night after suffering extensive burns to his body.
His partner, Florrie “Kory” Reuben, 47, died from significant injuries in the horrific house fire at their property on Home Hill Rd on August 9.
Townsville District Acting Chief Superintendent Chris Lawson previously said police suspected Ms Reuben’s partner deliberately set fire to the house, and they were conducting a homicide investigation.
Police were unable to speak to Mr Navutovuto or formally charge him before his death due to his condition.
His death comes amid revelations that police attended a welfare check at the couple’s home mere hours before it went up in flames about 5am.
Police described the initial call for help, shortly after 2am, as a mental health matter.
Superintendent Lawson said a police crew attended the home and received assistance from the Queensland Ambulance Service before they left the couple at the address.
A current domestic violence order was also in place for the protection of Ms Reuben.
“It’s not a great result, and that’s why we have the ethical standards command with oversight from the CCC (Crime and Corruption Commission) overviewing the investigation into that initial interaction with the couple,” Superintendent Lawson said.
He said there would be an investigation into all past interactions that police had with the couple and whether the actions taken on each occasion were appropriate under the circumstances.
A report for the coroner will be prepared for both deaths.
Ms Reuben left behind two sons, and recently became a grandmother after the birth of her first grandchild.
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Originally published as Isei Navutovuto dies in hospital after killing partner Florrie Reuben in Ayr house fire
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