A 91-year-old man has been charged with murder and refused bail after his wife was found dead at a home in Adelaide’s western suburbs over the weekend.
Key points:
- The body of Maria Dimasi was found on Saturday night
- Her 91-year-old husband has been charged with murder and is expected to appear in court today
- Tributes are flowing for Mrs Dimasi
Police say the woman is Maria Dimasi, 85, a well-known member of the Italian community in Adelaide’s western suburbs.
Mrs Dimasi was found dead inside a Findon home around 11.20pm on Saturday after reports of an incident at the address.
Police say they are in the “early stages” of the investigation and that Mrs Dimasi’s husband is expected to appear in court today.
Tributes have flowed for Mrs Dimasi, with flowers being laid at her Findon home.
Mrs Dimasi volunteered at Nonna’s Cucina, a community-based meal service.
Her grandson, Stefan Dimasi, is the non-profit’s executive chef.
Nonna’s Cucina president Rebecca Staltari posted on the organisation’s social media pages and paid tribute to her passing.
“It is with great sadness we share the news that our Nonna Maria has passed away.
“Nonna Maria was a passionate and dedicated supporter of Nonna’s Cucina, and we are forever grateful for her time, energy, friendship and love, given over so many years.
“Nonna Maria is our Executive Chef Stefan’s nonna and also became everyone else’s nonna in our community.
“She will be remembered for her big smile and generosity.”
Catholic nun Sister Quintilia visited the empty house this morning.
“I [have] come here for more than 20 years and I go around to visit people in homes to give communion and give support,” she said.
“I don’t understand what happened because they are very kind person – both of them.
“It is very very shocking news.
“For me, it was a shock yesterday when a friend from Canberra called me.”