Woman Found Dead in Hunter Valley Home After Reported Domestic Violence Incident

KEARSLEY, NSW — A quiet community in the Hunter Valley has been left shocked and heartbroken after a woman was found dead inside a home on Ellalong Street in Kearsley, near Cessnock, late Friday night. The tragic discovery came after police responded to reports of a domestic violence incident, prompting an immediate and ongoing homicide investigation.

According to New South Wales Police, officers arrived at the residence shortly before midnight following a distress call reporting a disturbance. Upon entry, they located the body of a woman inside the home. Despite efforts by emergency responders, she was pronounced dead at the scene.

A man known to the woman was taken into custody and is currently assisting detectives with their inquiries. Authorities have not yet released the woman’s identity, pending formal identification and notification of her next of kin.

Forensic officers and detectives from the State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad were called to the scene and have established a crime scene, which remained cordoned off throughout the night as investigations continued into the circumstances leading up to the woman’s death.

Residents in the normally peaceful Kearsley community described the event as deeply distressing, with many expressing shock that such violence had occurred so close to home. “This is a quiet area—everyone knows everyone,” said one local. “You never expect something like this to happen here.”

Police are urging anyone with information or who may have witnessed any suspicious activity in the area on Friday evening to contact Cessnock Police Station or Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000.

Authorities emphasized their ongoing commitment to tackling domestic and family violence, reminding the public that help is always available for those in danger or at risk.

Anyone experiencing domestic violence or who knows someone who may be at risk is urged to contact 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) or visit www.1800respect.org.au for 24/7 confidential support.

This tragic incident has once again cast a spotlight on the urgent need to address domestic violence across Australia—a scourge that continues to claim lives and devastate families and communities alike.