A 94-year-old man has died months after being sentenced for the murder of his elderly wife.
Shocking statistics on national crimes in the field of murder, drugs and theft
Donald Morley was sentenced to nine years in prison in April after pleading guilty to the murder of his wife, Jane Morley.
The 92-year-old woman’s body was found in her bed by a care worker during a routine visit to their home in Fisher, Australian Capital Territory, in August 2023.
Donald Morley and his wife Jane Morley were living in Canberra when he killed her. Photo: Supplied
Mrs Morley was suffering from dementia before her husband smothered her with a pillow in their marital bed.
After his sentencing, Morley was transferred to Clare Holland House Medical Facility where he was suffering from terminal cancer.
The Australian Capital Territory Police confirmed he died on Friday as a convicted prisoner.
Judge David Mossop sentenced Morley to nine years in prison with a non-parole period of four and a half years.
Jane Morley was murdered by her husband Donald Morley at their home in Fisher, Canberra in 2023. Photo: Contributed
“He became fearful of the future and thought this was an acceptable option,” Judge David Mossop said in his sentencing remarks in April.
“Murder is still murder, regardless of the age or vulnerability of the victim or the perpetrator.
“Murder is the most serious form of denial of individual autonomy… especially when the victim is vulnerable.”
There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding Morley’s death.
The police will submit a report to the coroner.
The couple, who have been married for 69 years, had high school sweethearts who migrated to Australia from the UK when they were in their 40s.
