A female security guard who fatally shot dead a robber who attacked her is set to be charged with murder, NSW Police said today.

Karen Brown has until 6pm to hand herself in to police in southwest Sydney, police said.

So far, Ms Brown has refused to be formally interviewed by investigating officers, saying she has been in no mental or physical condition to do say, despite having spoken to two media outlets.

Police said they had been told repeatedly by Ms Brown's barrister, Joseph Busuttil, that she was unfit to speak with them.

Liverpool Police Superintendent Terry Jacobsen described it as "inappropriate" that Ms Brown had conducted an interview with a newspaper and, reportedly, been paid for another interview with the Seven Network's Today Tonight program.

"We have been advised ... that she has been unfit to speak to police for medical reasons and we have accepted that and respected it," Supt Jacobsen said today.

However, he said the media interviews had meant police "may have to proceed without the benefit of hearing from Ms Brown on these matters".

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"If she doesn't surrender herself by 6pm this evening, we will issue a court attendance notice for the offence of murder based on the evidence we have gathered to date," he said.

The 42-year-old Rooty Hill woman shot and killed William Aquilina moments after he attacked her with a knuckleduster and stole a bag of cash she was carrying out of the Moorebank Hotel.

The Elite Guard Force security officer's skull, an eye socket, nose and left hand were fractured and she suffered possible brain damage when the 25-year-old grabbed her hair, king hit her and repeatedly pounded her to the ground.

Aquilina's family apologised to Ms Brown, blaming his violent behaviour on his marijuana and amphetamine addiction.

Supt Jacobsen said investigators had waited in good faith for Ms Brown to speak with them.

"To that extent we have attempted to contact her legal representative today to arrange for her to be present at Liverpool Police Station by 6pm this evening," he said.

"If she comes we will give full weight to what she may or may not tell us."

However, Supt Jacobsen said officers earlier had been told Ms Brown was unavailable until Tuesday - if she did not attend the police station they would take action without her.

"If we are unable to serve it either because she's unavailable or because she has been squirrelled away, we will be seeking leave ... to file that court attendance notice in court," he said.

"And if we are granted that leave, then criminal proceedings will commence, it will be subjudice and Today Tonight will publish any material at their peril."

Supt Jacobsen said that while Ms Brown had a right not to say anything about the incident, police had an obligation to give her an opportunity to speak.

"We have given her that opportunity but she has elected to go to the media [instead], and that's not appropriate."

Ms Brown, in an article in today's Sunday Telegraph, said she feared for her life but after the attack had no recollection of events.

"I was so scared," she told the newspaper.

"I did not know where I was or exactly what had happened to me. All I knew was that blood was pouring into my eyes and my head was throbbing."

However, she also spoke of her sympathy for her attacker's family, expressing remorse at what occurred.

"I really feel sorry for his family, it must be awful," she said.

"I just wish this had never happened. It's been a terrible week."

Her sister, Katrina Brown, told the newspaper the incident had completely ruined Karen's life.

"She's a complete mental and physical wreck," she said.

Reports that Ms Brown had been paid up to $100,000 for the television interview were unconfirmed.

original link here http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/08/01/1091298564305.html



:mad:

To charge Ms. Brown with any crime does not mean she will be convicted. Usually when a death occurs an inquest, at least, must be held.

Sounds to me like she was in the right. It also sounds like this has made a big impact on her life, for the worse.

Originally posted by mad dog
Sounds to me like she was in the right. It also sounds like this has made a big impact on her life, for the worse. absolutely.....and to then be charged has to be hard considering she has to look in the mirror......i understand the justice system has to do its job....but damn

Originally posted by stevewatt88
The 42-year-old Rooty Hill woman shot and killed William Aquilina moments after he attacked her with a knuckleduster and stole a bag of cash she was carrying out of the Moorebank Hotel.

The Elite Guard Force security officer's skull, an eye socket, nose and left hand were fractured and she suffered possible brain damage when the 25-year-old grabbed her hair, king hit her and repeatedly pounded her to the ground.

Aquilina's family apologised to Ms Brown, blaming his violent behaviour on his marijuana and amphetamine addiction.



It seems to me she is only guilty of two things.
1. Doing the job she is paid to do. I believe that security officers, police and such are there for that reason. They keep the bad guys from taking someone elses money, property, or life. The sidearm isn't just for decoration. Ms. Brown - good job.

2. I respect her wish for privacy while recovering from the traumatic harm inflicted upon her. HOWEVER, she should not have gone to the media without first talking to police. That is why they are riled up.

Once again, it was because of drugs, or this reason or that reason. I am really tired of people trying to justify their illegal actions. It was illegal, he paid the price. I willing to bet he didn't suffer as long as she will, from the wounds or the media.

As for Ms. Brown, if she can hit ANYTHING with fractures of the skull, eye socket, nose, and left hand......that's one hell of a security guard. Murder charge? I think she deserves a medal for going above and beyond duty. A lot of people would have stayed on the ground and bled. I hope she still has a job when it is all over.

Lastly, what is a knuckleduster?

That's crazy.

That reminds me of a story I heard, where a man broke into this family's house and the security system locked him in for like three days I believe.

So while he was in there he lived off the dog's food and water, so after he got out he sued them for inhumane treatment and won like 120,000.

I call it the American injustice System.

I too have read the story you speak of. It seems the thief was trapped in the garage. I guess he's lucky he got the water, there is none in my garage. No dog food for that matter.

As for the lawsuit, in either case, where do they keep finding 12 jurors with removable brains? :hitout:

If I were a judge, I'd throw the whole thing out and hold his lawyer in contemp for wasting the courts time. I would vote for a judge with that kind of drive and ambition.

Originally posted by 007
As for the lawsuit, in either case, where do they keep finding 12 jurors with removable brains?

Oh come on, about half the people in AMerica have removeable brains...they are called republicans.

echo, did you know you have brought exactly nothing new to this board? just another parrot regurgitating stale insults and predictable arguments.

lol...You know it is sad that the justice system is taking this route. She should be commended and decorated. No one should go through that just to be charged with murder. If she can't use the gun why would they give it to her?

Travh,
I wondered how long it would be before your reply hit the board. I knew a response was required on your part.

007.