Overview
- A Victorian Supreme Court jury found David Douglas McLennan guilty of murdering 48‑year‑old Caroline “Carlee” Smith, and he was remanded pending plea and sentencing hearings.
- Prosecutors relied on home CCTV that captured McLennan shortly after the assault saying “pretty sure you killed her,” forensic testimony that the victim was strangled for at least three minutes, and DNA found under her fingernails.
- The court heard Smith was attacked on the evening of May 11, 2025, her body was discovered during a police welfare check on May 15, and McLennan remained at the property for four days before being located nearby.
- McLennan pleaded not guilty and his defence said he 'snapped' and lacked intent to kill, a claim the jury rejected after about five hours of deliberation.
- McLennan moved into Smith’s south‑west Victoria home in October 2023 to help after her husband fell ill, their relationship later became volatile, and McLennan faces a pre‑sentence hearing on November 24 ahead of formal sentencing.