Cody Edwards is accused of murdering Synamin Bell in March 2022 in South Australia's south-east.Millicent mother-of-three Synamin Bell was allegedly "brutally beaten to death" in a "tragic case of domestic violence" inside her home in 2022, a court has heard.
In opening statements at the judge-only trial, crown prosecutors alleged Mr Edwards repeatedly struck Ms Bell over the head with a metal weapon with such force it "crushed the whole left side of the back of her head". The prosecution told the court he then spoke to the neighbour and told them he killed Ms Bell, saying she was an "axe murderer".The court also heard Mr Edwards called Ms Bell's mother and when asked where Ms Bell was, said "she's dead, she's in the house, she's dead".
The court heard Mr Sparks approached Mr Edwards in the middle of the street when he arrived, where Mr Edwards again said "I killed her". Mr Millsteed told the court it was in dispute whether Mr Edwards possessed the requisite intent for murder and whether he acted in self-defence.