A man has been charged with domestic violence-related murder after his father was allegedly set on fire outside a burning home in Sydney’s west.
Emergency services were called to a property in Glenmore Park shortly before 1am following reports of a fire. When police and firefighters arrived, they found a 64-year-old man outside the home with fatal injuries. Despite the efforts of paramedics, he died at the scene.
Police later arrested the victim’s 36-year-old son in nearby Werrington. He has since been charged with domestic violence-related murder and was refused bail. The matter is now before the courts.
Police allege an altercation occurred
According to NSW Police, investigators allege an altercation took place at the Glenmore Park property before the father was allegedly set on fire.
Authorities are examining exactly how the incident unfolded and whether an accelerant was used. A vehicle at the address was also damaged by fire before the flames spread to the home.
Police have not publicly released an alleged motive, and detectives say inquiries are continuing as forensic evidence is examined.
As with all criminal matters, the allegations have not been tested in court. The accused is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Strike Force Dorinu established
Detectives from the State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad have established Strike Force Dorinu to investigate the circumstances surrounding the man’s death.
Forensic specialists spent hours processing the scene, documenting evidence and examining both the house and the damaged vehicle. Detectives are also reviewing CCTV footage, witness statements and other evidence to build a timeline of events.
Police have appealed for anyone with information, dashcam footage or CCTV from the area to contact Crime Stoppers.
Domestic violence-related homicide
The charge has been classified as domestic violence-related because the accused and the deceased were immediate family members.
Domestic violence offences are not limited to intimate partners and can also involve alleged violence between parents, children, siblings and other close relatives.
Police have not indicated whether there had been any previous incidents involving the family, and no further details about the relationship have been released.
Court proceedings begin
Following his arrest, the accused appeared before Penrith Local Court after being refused police bail.
The case is expected to return to court while investigators continue gathering evidence. Additional details surrounding the allegations are likely to emerge during future hearings as the legal process continues.
Community left in shock
The alleged circumstances surrounding the death have shocked residents across Glenmore Park and the wider western Sydney community.
Neighbours watched as police, firefighters and forensic officers remained at the property for hours collecting evidence.
The incident has again highlighted the devastating consequences that can follow when family conflict allegedly escalates into extreme violence.
Investigation continues
Strike Force Dorinu continues to investigate the death, with detectives examining forensic evidence and speaking with witnesses.
Police are urging anyone who may have seen suspicious activity or captured relevant footage in the area to come forward.
The case will continue through the New South Wales court system, where the allegations against the accused will be examined according to the evidence presented.