Woman found dead at Belmore unit in Sydney’s southwest identified as estranged husband charged
A mother of five young children found dead at her unit in Sydney’s southwest was allegedly stabbed dozens of times with a makeshift spear.
Khouloud Hawatt’s body was found by police on Wednesday after a relative raised concerns for her welfare.
Officers broke into the 31-year-old’s home in Belmore, discovering she had been the subject of an allegedly “violent murder”.
Sign up to The Nightly's newsletters.
Get the first look at the digital newspaper, curated daily stories and breaking headlines delivered to your inbox.
By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Her estranged husband — Talaat Hawatt — was arrested soon after, 30km away in Denham Court with the assistance of the organised crime squad Raptor.
He was taken to Campbelltown Police Station and charged with murder (DV), contravening ADVO, using a prohibited weapon contrary to a prohibition order and failing to comply with digital evidence access order direction.
Hawatt faced Campbelltown Local Court on Thursday.
“The circumstances of this event are very tragic,” defence lawyer Mostafa Daoudie said.
Detectives have described the murder weapon as a makeshift spear - a knife attached to a wooden pole.
Police allege the accused used it to stab his wife more than 30 times in the face, arms, shoulders and back.
Hawatt remains behind bars and will return to court in February.
Police believe the woman was allegedly murdered early on Wednesday morning.
Superintendent Sheridan Waldau told reporters a triple-0 call was not made until 7.50am.
Court documents reveal a nearby resident was woken by the sound of the accused’s voice and children screaming and banging.
The noises stopped after five minutes, according to the documents.
Hawatt allegedly cleaned blood off the walls and the weapon before taking off with his children.
The 35-year-old accused had been subject to a restraining order to protect Khouloud, valid until February 2025, though no location or contact restrictions were applied.
Several interactions between Talaat and police in the past 12 months, including a restraining order check in August, were characterised as minor by Waldau.
Friends said Khouloud was a devoted mother and would do anything for her children who are aged between eight months and eight years.
If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au.
Originally published on 7NEWS
