A teenage girl, now 18 years old and known as Suzy to protect her identity, bravely testified in the Supreme Court of Victoria against her father, Dinush Kurera, who stands accused of murdering her mother, Nelomi Perera, in a horrific axe attack. The harrowing incident took place in their family home in Sandhurst, just weeks before Christmas in 2022. Suzy recounted how she tried to shield her mother from her father’s violent blows, standing between them and attempting to push him away. She described the terror of seeing her mother being attacked and trying to protect her as her father swung the axe multiple times.
Both Suzy and her 19-year-old brother, referred to as Billy, had to provide evidence against their father in court. Suzy revealed that her father had threatened to kill her mother in the days leading up to the attack, and during the assault, he even asked his children if they would consider leaving their mother to live with him. The court heard that Kurera blamed his wife for ruining his life and interrogated his children about her personal life, using derogatory language towards their mother.
The prosecution presented evidence showing that Kurera had been enraged by the discovery of his wife’s new relationship and was further incensed when Billy mentioned that she was seeing other people. This revelation allegedly led to Kurera launching a brutal attack on his wife with a hatchet, injuring her and then pursuing his son when he tried to escape, ultimately striking him in the back with the weapon.
Despite the defense’s claims that Kurera acted in self-defense during a struggle over a knife, the jury was shown graphic videos and photos of the aftermath of the violent incident. Suzy and Billy had to relive the traumatic events in court as they recounted the horrors they witnessed that fateful night. The trial continues as the court seeks to uncover the truth behind the tragic murder of Nelomi Perera.
The heartbreaking testimony of Suzy and Billy shed light on the devastating impact of domestic violence and the profound trauma experienced by survivors of such horrific acts. Their courage in coming forward to seek justice for their mother serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of holding perpetrators accountable for their actions. The trial serves as a sobering reminder of the urgent need to address issues of domestic violence and provide support for those affected by such tragedies.
