- Donald Morley sentenced in April
- On Friday the battle against cancer was lost
A 94-year-old murderer has died months after being convicted of murdering his wife.
Donald Morley was sentenced to nine years in prison in April after pleading guilty to the murder of his wife Jean Morley.
The 92-year-old woman’s body was found in her bed by a social worker during a routine visit to her home in Fisher, ACT, in August 2023.
Mrs Morley suffered from dementia before her husband suffocated her with a pillow in their double bed.
Following his sentencing, Morley was transferred to Clare Holland House medical centre because he was suffering from terminal cancer.
ACT Police have confirmed he died on Friday as a sentenced prisoner.
Judge David Mossop had sentenced Morley to nine years in prison with a non-parole period of four and a half years.
Donald Morley and his wife Jean Morley were living in Canberra when he killed her.
“(Morley) came to fear the future and believed this was an acceptable option,” Judge David Mossop said during his sentencing remarks in April.
‘Murder is still murder, regardless of the age or illness of the victim or the perpetrator.
“Murder is the most serious denial of individual autonomy… even more so when the victim is vulnerable.”
Jean Morley was murdered by her husband Donald Morley at their Fisher home in Canberra in 2023. Image: Contributed
There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding Morley’s death.
The police will submit a report to the coroner.
The couple, who were married for 69 years, had high school sweethearts who had emigrated to Australia from the UK when they were both in their 40s.
If you or someone you know needs help, please contact 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732), Lifeline on 13 11 14 or beyondblue on 1300 224 636.
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