Elderly man charged with murder over alleged suffocation of 92-year-old wife

Detective Acting Superintendent Matthew Innes said it appeared the deceased woman had been suffocated. Photo: Claire Fenwicke.

A 92-year-old man has been charged with murder following the discovery of a 92-year-old woman’s body by a health worker in a Fisher home on Monday (31 July).

Criminal Investigations Detective Acting Superintendent Matthew Innes said the man was the victim’s husband and they had been married for more than 60 years.

Police could not divulge at this stage what exactly they thought had occurred prior to the woman’s death, but there was no history of violence between the couple.

“We’re exploring all avenues of inquiry in relation to any conversations or incidents that may have taken place prior to the woman’s death,” Det Act Supt Innes said.

“We go where the evidence takes us, and we just have to charge where that evidence pushes us.”

It appeared at this stage the woman had been suffocated, but it’s unclear if she died on the day her body was found.

“At this stage we’re investigating the timeline of her death,” Det Act Supt Innes said.

The man had let the health worker into the home before the body was found.

The forensic search of the Fisher home has been completed, however detectives are still searching for further indications of what exactly happened and when.

The couple are originally from the UK and it is believed no extended family lives in Australia.

The man is currently at Canberra Hospital.

He appeared before the ACT Magistrates Court via video link, with the matter adjourned until Wednesday (2 August).

Police will be opposing bail.