Neighbour charged over alleged murder of Sydney grandfather Peter McCarthy

A 46-year-old woman has been charged with the murder of a grandfather, who was found dead in his unit in Sydney’s east five days before Christmas.

Police arrested Narelle Smith, a neighbour, at the same South Coogee unit block where retired solicitor Peter McCarthy, 77, was found dead.

A post mortem has revealed Mr McCarthy died from severe head and facial injuries during an alleged armed robbery.

Detective Superintendent Danny Doherty said the pair knew each other, but wouldn’t elaborate on the nature of their relationship.

“There is very significant forensic and physical evidence to make this a strong and compelling case,” he said.

Police were unable to say what the motive was behind the attack, although the ABC understands they will allege it was partly financial.

“Robbery was one motive… but we don’t want to narrow ourselves to one motive, and that will be part of the case against the woman,” Detective Superintendent Doherty said.

Police released CCTV showing Mr McCarthy inside the gaming room of Club York in the CBD, where he was a regular patron, on December 16.

His badly beaten body was found four days later, but it’s unclear when the killing took place.

CCTV images of a man and a woman at a train station were also released as part of a public appeal for information last month.

The woman arrested today is not the woman in the footage.

“Those inquiries are still ongoing in relation to that CCTV,” Detective Superintendent Doherty said.

“We are making further inquiries in relation to people who have assisted or may have some information.

“I would like to thank the community for providing information to date, but at this stage, those persons haven’t been spoken to.”

Mr McCarthy’s son James released a statement soon after the body was found.

“Our family is devastated and still coming to terms with the loss of our father and grandfather, Peter,” he said.

“We have all been deeply affected by this tragedy, especially at what should be a time of celebration and joy this Christmas.”

Detective Superintendent Doherty said the family had been informed of today’s developments.

“I think it’s mixed emotions for them — they have just gone through Christmas without a father and a grandfather and it’s at a point where any arrest is welcome,” he said.  Source: ABC

“They’re still getting over the grief of losing Peter but they are thankful for the police inquiries to date and also the community’s help.”

Investigators have spent the day raiding the unit block and inquiries are continuing.

Ms Smith was refused bail to appear at Waverley Local Court on Tuesday after being charged with murder at Maroubra Police Staton.