UPDATE: A mother-of-four was brutally stabbed to death in an “entirely unprovoked” attack at her home in St Marys, Sydney, according to court proceedings. Shaun Michael King has pleaded guilty to the murder of his long-time partner Drew Douglas, 33, during a drug-induced psychosis in August 2023.
In a chilling account presented in the Supreme Court of Sydney, Crown prosecutor Nicholas Marney revealed that the attack was executed with “extreme violence.” Paramedics rushed to the scene, but Douglas succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead shortly after.
Marney emphasized the brutal nature of the crime, stating, “This murder was entirely unprovoked.” He stressed that King’s actions were deliberate, asserting, “It is not a case of a man who just lashed out. He acted with intent to kill.” He added that King had taken the time to grab a kitchen knife, demonstrating premeditation in the horrific act.
The prosecutor described the facts as “really quite disturbing,” highlighting the profound impact on the community and the pressing need for a significant sentence. “The community demands of our justice system that a sentence that properly punishes our offender is put in place,” Marney stated.
In response, the defense argued that King’s mental health conditions—including PTSD, ADHD, and substance abuse—should be considered during sentencing. They cited an expert report indicating that King was experiencing a drug-induced psychosis at the time of the murder.
The defense also claimed that King’s desperate call to emergency services the night before the murder was a cry for help, although he struggled to articulate his needs effectively. They maintained that there was no evidence of premeditation regarding the knife.
King, who appeared via AVL from Goulburn Correctional Centre during the hearing, is set to be sentenced later this month. The case has drawn significant media attention, reflecting broader societal concerns about domestic violence and mental health.
As the court proceedings continue, the emotional toll on Douglas’s family and the community is palpable. Many are left grappling with the tragedy of losing a mother under such violent circumstances.
Stay tuned for updates as this developing story unfolds.
