Man charged with manslaughter

A 42-year-old Monash man will face the ACT Magistrates Court this morning (Monday, 18 April 2022) charged with manslaughter after the death of a 40-year-old Melba woman.

The woman passed away in hospital overnight after she was unable to recover from injuries she received in an incident in Melba about 4am on Friday, 15 April 2022.

The woman was taken to hospital shortly afterwards and treated for critical injuries. On Friday afternoon the matter was reported to police.

A crime scene was declared and a section of Alfred Hill Drive Melba, and some nearby streets, were closed for several hours while investigations were carried out. Further investigations took place on the weekend.

Police arrested the man on Friday afternoon, and the vehicle involved in the incident which has been taken for forensic examination.

A report is being prepared for the ACT Coroner. 

In addition to the charge of manslaughter the man, who police will allege was in breach of previously-granted bail conditions, will also be charged with three counts of perverting the course of justice.   

Anyone with information about the incident, dash-cam or CCTV footage of the area that captured any unusual driving behaviour early Friday morning, who has not yet spoken to police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website.   

Please quote reference 7084344. Information can be provided anonymously. 

Media enquiries 

Police Media — (02) 5126 9070, act-police-media@afp.gov.au