Samuel Jade Lincoln Jingle: WA man jailed for murdering partner following years of domestic violence

WARNING: DISTRESSING DETAILS A man who murdered his partner in a “brutal and ferocious” attack had been previously convicted seven times of domestic violence offences against her. Samuel Jade Lincoln Jingle, 37, was sentenced in the WA Supreme Court to life with a non-parole period of 19 years for murdering his partner, Ms Murray, at their Fitzroy Crossing home in the Kimberley on December 14 2024. Jingle stabbed the mother of his two daughters 14 times, broke her jaw and ribs and then strangled her with a belt in what Justice Michael Gething described as a “senseless and unprovoked “ attack. During their 10-year relationship Jingle had been convicted of seven domestic violence offences against Ms Murray, 32, whose first name can’t be published for cultural reasons. That included unlawful wounding, aggravated assault occasioning bodily harm and aggravated common assault. On one occasion he hit her in the head with a dumb bell. The court heard that on the night of Ms Murray’s murder Jingle was coming down of methylamphetamine and had been drinking with friends at various locations around Fitzroy Crossing. His lawyer Alana Woldan said during the night Jingle became “fixated on the ongoing problems in their relationship” which was “plagued by infidelity and jealousy”. Prosecutor Adam Ebell said that around 11pm he returned home and attacked Ms Murray — who only weighed 35 kilograms — while she slept in their bedroom. Mrs Murray’s aunty, who was staying with them, was woken by the sounds of banging and went to the bedroom. She saw Mrs Murray lying in a pool of blood with Jingle choking her with a belt. The aunt attempted to pull Jingle off her niece but he was too big so she ran for help. Three men came to her aid however Ms Murray could not be saved and she died at the scene. Jingle pleaded guilty to murder however when he was interviewed by a psychologist in custody he could not give a reason for murdering Ms Murray. Justice Gething said Mrs Murray was “entirely defenceless against the attack”. “She should have been able to trust you, she should have been safe with you” he told Jingle. Justice Gething described the attack as “brutal and ferocious” saying Mrs Murray last moments must have been terrifying “knowing you were going to kill her”. The court heard Jingle’s upbringing in remote communities in the West Kimberley had been marred by extreme deprivation where “violence was a way of life”. Justice Gething said he accepted that Jingle’s deprived upbringing reduced his “moral culpability” in the murder. He sentenced him to life imprisonment with no chance of parole until at least December 14, 2043. Mrs Murray’s family watched in silence as Jingle was led from the courtroom. Outside of court her eldest brother Gavin Smith said his sister was “a loving, kind and respectful person - a happy go lucky lady”. Ms Murray left behind three children aged 17, 9 and 5. “Its hard but we have to carry on and push on for the kids” Mr Smith said. “I’m hoping that we don’t experience this kind of behaviour in the Kimberley anymore with violence and this stuff happening on a regular basis”. 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)