Man charged with murder after woman stabbed in alleged DV attack

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Man charged with murder after woman stabbed in alleged DV attack

By Perry Duffin, Jessica McSweeney and Clare Sibthorpe

A man has been charged with the stabbing murder of a young Sydney woman in what police allege was a domestic violence attack.

At about 1.40pm on Monday police officers and paramedics were called to a home on the Great Western Highway in Kingswood, near Penrith, where they found 21-year-old Nunia Kurualeba with two stab wounds to her chest.

Nunia Kurualeba was allegedly stabbed to death at the hands of her partner in her Kingswood home.

Nunia Kurualeba was allegedly stabbed to death at the hands of her partner in her Kingswood home.Credit: Facebook

She lived at the unit with flatmates, who raised the alarm, and her partner, Jeremaia Tuwai.

When police and paramedics arrived they tried to save Kurualeba, however, she died at the scene.

Kurualeba’s sister Laite said Nunia, who worked as a housekeeper, was warm and popular.

“She loved everyone, she had a lot of friends,” Laite Kurualeba said.

“Every time she comes home she always makes noise, every time she was asked to keep her voice levels down she didn’t listen,” Laite told Nine news.

“She didn’t deserve what happened to her.”

Witnesses told police they had seen a man running from the unit complex before officers could arrive, sparking a manhunt.

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After hours of searching, police found 21-year-old Tuwai at Derby Street in Penrith, where he was arrested at around 7.10pm.

Jeremaia Tuwai was charged with the fatal stabbing of his partner, Nunia Kurualeba.

Jeremaia Tuwai was charged with the fatal stabbing of his partner, Nunia Kurualeba.Credit: Facebook

“It’s alleged that a 21-year-old male in a domestic relationship with this person is the perpetrator of this incident and caused those injuries to the female,” said Detective Superintendent Trent King, the Nepean Area commander.

On Tuesday morning police charged the man with domestic violence murder.

He was refused police bail and faced Penrith Local Court on Tuesday via audiovisual link, wearing a yellow long-sleeved top and keeping his arms crossed.

He did not apply for bail, and his Legal Aid lawyer said he would seek mental health treatment while in custody.

The matter will return to court on September 6.

If you or someone you know is affected by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732.

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