50-year-old Lanell Latta was found fatally stabbed at her rental property near Avalon Beach in Northern Sydney on the morning of September 18th.
Her 25-year-old son has been charged with the murder.
The Police were called to the scene to investigate claims of an injured woman after concerned neighbours reported hearing a woman’s screams coming from the home.
Joel Woszatka, Lanell Latta’s son has been refused bail and police are reviewing if drug use played a role in connection with the tragic murder.
A family photo featuring Lana (far left) and Joel (second from right) (source: Facebook)
The home in Sydney’s Northern Beaches is owned by supermodel Gemma Ward and her husband, David Letts.
Both have released a statement, with Gemma saying: “It’s heartbreaking news. My heart goes out to the family and all involved in this tragedy.”
Her husband, David, echoed his wife’s sentiments saying: “She was such a sweet woman, it’s just a tragedy”.
While Lanell Latta’s death is currently being further investigated by police, neighbours speaking to the DailyMail say more needs to be done to tackle the growing amount of drug use among local youth.
“Ice needs to be wiped off the face of the earth,” a neighbour said.
“Addicts are just the victims of the dealers.”
