Man is accused of rape and murder after woman’s body found in a house

A man has been charged after allegedly raping and murdering a woman in a domestic violence attack. 

Emergency services were called to an apartment in Coconut Grove, Darwin’s north, at about 12.30pm on Saturday, following reports a woman was unresponsive. 

Northern Territory Police and St John Ambulance paramedics found the 36-year-old woman inside the home and declared her dead at the scene. 

A 43-year-old man, who was known to the woman, was arrested at the property and remains in custody. 

He was charged on Sunday evening with breaching a domestic violence order, sexual intercourse without consent and murder. 

The woman, who is from Maningrida in Arnhem Land, was in Darwin to mourn the death of a female family member who died in a car crash last week and to undergo training as part of her role as an Army recruit attached to the North West Mobile Force (NorForce), a relative told NT News.

NorForce is a surveillance and reconnaissance unit known for working closely with Aboriginal communities

A crime scene was established around the unit block on Saturday, with detectives and forensic officers seen working at the property. 

A police investigation is underway. 

The alleged murderer was refused bail and is scheduled to appear in court on June 4. 

If you or anyone you know is experiencing domestic or family violence, please contact 131 444 or in an emergency call triple zero (000). 

You can also anonymously report through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Support services are also available, including, but not limited to, 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) or Lifeline 131 114.