Farmer Geoff Hunt shot his wife and three children dead before turning his gun on himself after years of stress in dealing with his wife’s brain injuries, an inquest is expected to hear.
In a murder-suicide case that shocked the nation, the 44-year-old killed his wife Kim, son Fletcher, 10, and daughters Mia, 8, and Phoebe, 6, at their rural family home near Lockhart, south of Wagga Wagga in NSW, in September last year.
He then drove to a dam on his property and took his own life.
A source familiar with the case told Daily Mail Australia the coroner will be presented with the facts saying it was Mr Hunt who carried out the shootings for reasons that are being investigated. This contradicts alleged rumours in the Lockhart area that Mrs Hunt may have carried out the shootings.
“There was a lot of talk about that story going around, but it wasn’t based on anything but conjecture. It appears that [the father Geoff Hunt] was responsible,” an investigator told the news website. “It appears the shotgun was used a few hours before the police arrived, most likely the night before.”
Mrs Hunt, 41, was in a near fatal car accident in mid-2012 that left her with a serious brain injury. She worked hard and maintained a positive mindset to recover physically and return to nursing work but the stress, trauma and emotional fallout took its toll on the family.
She suffered a broken neck, post-traumatic amnesia and was unable to walk and talk properly. When she eventually returned home from hospital, she required a carer to help look after her children and intensive rehabilitation.
In a local newspaper story a year after the accident, the family painted a positive picture of their life and Mr Hunt’s supportive role in aiding her recovery, while acknowledging the impact of her injuries. Youngest daughter Phoebe, then aged four, had been in the family car too when it flipped but escaped major injury.
In September police blocked the entrance to the Hunt family’s rural property. Photo: AAP Image/Lukas Coch
After the family’s deaths, Mrs Hunt’s sister Jenny Geppert said she did not blame her brother-in-law.
“A brain injury robs a person of empathy and love,” Mrs Geppert said in a statement before the family’s funeral. “Unless you live with someone who’s gone through this you can’t understand – it dulls their emotions.”
Others paid tribute to Mr Hunt, whom they described as supportive, gentle and patient. He had been under “immense stress” from the accident and it’s believed he left a short suicide note.
Mrs Hunt was described by friends, nursing colleagues and family as a kind, caring and devoted mother who loved life.
An inquest is expected to be opened in Sydney later this year.
Anyone struggling with depression, stress or mental health problems can call Lifeline on 13 11 14
