7 August 2025

Man charged with murder after 84-year-old Riverina man dies following alleged assault

| By Oliver Jacques
The alleged victim was taken to Wagga Wagga Base Hospital on the weekend.

The alleged victim was taken to Wagga Wagga Base Hospital on the weekend. Photo: Michelle Kroll.

A man has been charged with murder after an elderly man died following an alleged assault in the Riverina on the weekend.

Emergency services were called to a home on White Street, Bethungra, 65 km northeast of Wagga Wagga, following reports of a domestic incident, about 9:30 am on Saturday (2 August).

Officers attached to Riverina Police District arrived and were told a man had allegedly forced his way into the home where he assaulted an 84-year-old man and 82-year-old woman – both known to him – before leaving the scene.

The elderly couple was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics before they were taken to Wagga Wagga Base Hospital. The 84-year-old man was in a critical condition and the 82-year-old in a stable condition.

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Police established a crime scene in the home and detectives commenced an investigation into the incident.

Following inquiries, police arrested a 51-year-old man at a home on White Street, Bethungra, at about 10:50 am on the same day.

He was taken to Wagga Wagga Police Station where he was charged over the alleged assault.

On Tuesday (5 August), police were notified the 84-year-old man had died.

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Following further inquiries, the 51-year-old man was charged with murder on Wednesday (6 August).

He remains in custody and will appear in Wagga Wagga Local Court on Tuesday 7 October.

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