Quambatook murder trial begins in Victoria
The 68-year-old pleaded not guilty to murder in the Victorian Supreme Court.
Kelly managed the local swimming pool and participated actively in the small regional community. Barnes frequented the pool and participated in a November 2024 working bee, where he offered to repair leaking pavers. Kelly accepted the help but informed him that volunteer-run facilities could not offer financial compensation.
Barnes requested payment in cake and finished the tasks in early December. He subsequently changed his stance, demanding cash and asserting that the labor would typically cost $2000 while offering to accept $1000. Kelly gathered $200 from the pool committee as compensation, which left Barnes dissatisfied. He subsequently complained to police and lawyers about the dispute.
An incident occurred at the pool on January 20, 2025, when staff ejected Barnes after he dived into the shallow end. Police spoke with him regarding the disturbance. Fifty minutes later, he allegedly filed a complaint on the Victoria Police website at 12:50 am.
Attack and Cemetery Fire Allegations
Crown prosecutor Patrick Bourke KC told jurors that Barnes drove to Kelly’s home fifty minutes after submitting his police complaint. He allegedly entered through an unlocked door and attacked her in bed.
Bourke said that blood splatters on the bedroom wall, carpet, and bed indicated Kelly sustained weapon strikes at least twice after she was already bleeding. Barnes allegedly dragged her out the back door, secured her wrists with cable ties, and loaded her into his ute.
The prosecution alleges Barnes drove to the local cemetery, dumped Kelly’s body, and set it on fire. He then drove to his brother’s house. He allegedly told his brother that he committed "premeditated murder" and that Kelly deserved it.
Police arrested Barnes the following day in Welshmans Reef, approximately 175 kilometers away. An autopsy confirmed Kelly died from head injuries before the fire started, according to Bourke. Investigators allegedly recovered Kelly’s blood inside Barnes’ ute, in his washing machine, and on his glasses.
Bourke argued that Barnes intended to kill Kelly during the bedroom attack. Defence barrister David Cronin SC countered that Barnes did not cause Kelly’s death and suggested an unknown party may have inflicted the fatal injuries. Cronin maintained that Barnes lacked any intention to kill or cause serious injury.
Trial Proceedings Continue
The Victorian Supreme Court trial proceeds before Justice James Elliott. Legal arguments and witness testimonies continue as the court examines the disputed evidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What sparked the dispute between Barnes and Kelly?
Barnes initially offered to fix leaking pavers at the community pool for cake after Kelly explained the facility had no budget for paid labor. He later demanded cash payments totaling $1000 before receiving $200 from the pool committee.
Where was Barnes arrested by police?
Police arrested Barnes on January 21, 2025, in Welshmans Reef, located approximately 175 kilometers away from Quambatook.
What did the autopsy reveal about the victim?
An autopsy confirmed that Merril Kelly died from her head injuries before her body was set on fire at the local cemetery.