DETECTIVES investigating the murder of Tamworth mother Teah Luckwell have questioned three men in relation to break-ins they suspect could be linked to the murder probe.
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The Leader can reveal three men, Jesse Leigh Green, Benjamin Kennedy and Bennie McCarthy, were arrested in coordinated raids in Tamworth on Thursday and questioned by detectives also investigating the murder.
On Friday, The Leader reported the three men had been charged with aggravated break-and-enter offences. All three remained in custody over the weekend. The trio have not been charged in connection to the murder.
Detectives believe several aggravated break-ins in the week of Teah’s murder could be linked to the investigation.
The 22-year-old was attacked inside her Robert Street unit and her body, alongside her 13-month-old daughter, who was uninjured, was discovered about 9.30pm on March 28, by a neighbour.
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The State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad, along with Oxley detectives, are leading the Strike Force Penola investigation into the violent death.
Strike Force Penola detectives, backed by local police, raided homes on Calala Lane, Robert Street and Bourne Street on Thursday and seized knives, gloves and a balaclava which are all expected to undergo forensic testing.
Several other items including jewellery, which is suspected of being stolen, was also seized.
Homicide squad Detective Chief Inspector Gary Jubelin said investigators are still trying to piece together what happened the night Teah died.
“The Homicide Squad and Oxley detectives are working side-by-side to put those responsible for Teah’s death before the courts as quickly as possible,” he said in a statement to The Leader on Sunday.
“While Tamworth is a major regional centre, it is still a close-knit community, and the death of a young mother would be of concern to residents.
We have already gathered significant information, which has us following strong lines of inquiry, but we want to hear more from the community.
- Homicide squad Detective Chief Inspector Gary Jubelin
“We have already gathered significant information, which has us following strong lines of inquiry, but we want to hear more from the community.
“If you know anything about Teah’s death, or have information that may assist Strike Force Penola, please get in touch with us.”
Green, 26, is facing charges of aggravated break-and-enter and goods in custody in relation to an alleged break-in in Oxley Vale on March 27.
Kennedy, 40, was charged with aggravated break-and-enter after an alleged incident at a property in Jill Street on March 10.
McCarthy, 27, is accused of an aggravated break-and-enter in Robert Street between March 24-25.
Investigations continue.
Breanna Chillingworth
Northern Daily Leader Senior Crime and Court Reporter
Northern Daily Leader Senior Crime and Court Reporter
