By Perry Duffin and Olivia Ireland
Police are investigating a rambling phone call they allegedly received from a man nearly 10 hours before his partner, mother-of-four Drew Douglas, was stabbed to death in Sydney’s west, sources close to the investigation say.
No one has been charged over the stabbing.
Drew Douglas was stabbed to death at a house in St Marys.Credit: Facebook/TNV
Shaun King, 35, rang police on Tuesday about 8.40pm rambling incoherently, a police source not authorised to speak publicly confirmed, but the call did not contain any threats against Douglas.
The call sparked a “concern for welfare” listing, where police log and check up on people in the community who could be at risk of harm by themselves or others.
Shaun King, 35, has been arrested in relation to the stabbing.Credit: Facebook
Douglas, aged in her 30s, was stabbed in the chest at a St Mary’s home about 6.45am on Wednesday. She was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics but died at the scene.
Local police, however, had failed to check on King following his earlier alleged phone call.
A short time later, King presented himself to Campbelltown Police Station where he was later arrested and continues to assist detectives with their inquiries. King has not been charged and the Herald is not suggesting he is likely to be.
“In terms of responding to that call last night, the circumstances surrounding why there was no attendance and the timeline from last night through to this morning is part of the critical incident investigation,” Assistant Commissioner Leanne McCusker said.
“That timeline leading into this morning will certainly be very very strongly looked at.”
McCusker said there was a history of domestic violence known to police.
A critical incident investigation has been launched following the stabbing in St Marys.Credit: TNV
“Certainly there is history of police involvement with these two people,” she said.
Douglas’ sister Jade posted on social media about the loss.
“I love you sissy,” she wrote.
“I’m broken, shattered and numb. My family does not deserve this. My sister didn’t deserve this.”
The Herald can confirm other adults were inside the home on Edmondson Avenue at the time of the killing. Police sources say one is believed to be King’s mother, who he lives with.
The homicide squad is investigating the stabbing, while a critical incident team from nearby Ryde Police Area Command will investigate the police response to King’s call.
Police sources say, as yet, it appeared there were no apprehended violence orders, so there was no immediate concern for Douglas’ welfare following the calls.
Investigations are continuing. Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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