THE Mount Gambier woman charged with the murder of her 57-year-old mother-in-law has been remanded in custody following a brief court hearing this morning.
Caroline Delta Rose Nilsson, 26, appeared in police custody in the Mount Gambier Magistrates Court where the matter was adjourned for a bail application on March 23 in the Adelaide Magistrates Court.
Nilsson is charged with the murder of her mother-in-law, Myrna Nilsson who was killed in her home on Bunbury Terrace, Valley View on September 30, 2016.
At around 10.10pm on that day, police were called to Bunbury Terrace after Caroline Nilsson was found by neighbours in the street, bound, gagged and in a distressed condition.
She claimed two men had forced their way into the house and killed her mother-in-law, with whom she lived, before tying her up and stealing property.
When police entered the house, they located Myrna Nilsson’s body in the laundry of the home.
Her three grandchildren – all under the age of five – were located uninjured in the house.
Her son, who also lived at the address, was at work at the time.
At the time of the offending, Major Crime officer in charge Superintendent Des Brays said it was not clear if the children had witnessed the murder.
“I can’t comment on that, suffice to say the children were inside the house at the time of the incident,” Supt Bray said.
Acting on information provided by the defendant police were led to believe two males were involved in a home invasion and left the scene in a “white tradie-type four-wheel drive”.
Detectives claim the information about two men committing a home invasion and killing Ms Nilsson was fabricated and charged Caroline with murder.
Supt Bray said it was not a random incident and no one else was being sought in connection with the matter.
“Police would like to reassure the community that it was not a random incident and not a home invasion,” Supt Bray said.
“Our continued, careful investigation of this matter has led to this arrest being made, but anyone who believes they may have additional information of value to police should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report online at https://crimestopperssa.com.au/.”
