By Mitchell Clarke
The death of much-loved Pakenham mother Maddison Murphy-West wasn’t a suicide, a coronial inquest has found.
More than seven years after the 20-year-old was found dead in her Ahern Road home in October 2013, State Coroner Judge John Cain officially confirmed her violent ex-partner, Troy Boothey, was capable of causing her death.
“I am satisfied to the coronial standard that Mr Boothey was capable of the actions necessary to cause Ms Murphy-West’s death and that she did not end her own life,” Judge Cain said.
Ms Murphy-West’s aunt, Kelly Anne Murphy, said the inquest, which was handed down on Thursday 17 December, had left the family with a “mix of emotions”.
“It was always going to be bittersweet. It’s just a mix of emotions. It’s nice to have that confirmation but this has brought it all back to the surface again,” she said.
“We didn’t want there to be any doubt, even though we knew, we wanted Noah to grow up and know that his mother didn’t leave him, so this is a relief.
“It’s hard to be happy because we’re so flat about having to re-live everything again.”
The inquest heard Ms Murphy-West had been a victim of family violence. On one occasion in 2012, Boothey head-butted Ms Murphy-West several times, causing her nose to bleed, before strangling her to the point where she nearly passed out.
Her eventual death was caused by neck compression, but Boothey maintained she had committed suicide.
Ms Murphy-West’s doctor told the inquest: “(I) … was advised that Maddison had committed suicide. My initial impression was that she would never do that as she never had suicidal intent and she had a baby that she absolutely adored”.
Boothey, who was found dead in his Hastings home in May 2019, made admissions to killing her while in custody, according to sworn statements provided to police by three prisoners.
One prisoner said Boothey had said “it could not be proved”, adding he said to the effect he killed her and got away with it.
Ms Murphy said the family had hoped to see justice served.
“We really would’ve liked him (Boothey) to be still alive to get what he deserves, but at the same time, we no longer have to worry and we’re no longer turning our backs in fear of him,” she said.
“He was always guilty. He was a danger to the community and in the end karma got him.”
She said the finding would allow the family to “close a chapter” in their life.
“I suppose we just want to put this behind us. Maddy will obviously be a big part of us forever, but we just want to get along with our lives.
“This has left a big hole in our family, but Noah will always hear about his mum and she won’t be forgotten.”
Ms Murphy hopes her niece’s tragic death will continue to create change in the fight against family violence.
“Maddison was a victim of family violence. He (Boothey) threatened to kill her if she left and look what happened,” she said.
“I think she would be happy that things are slowly getting done to address the issue.”
