Woman Charged with Murder of Terminally Ill Husband Granted Bail

A woman charged with murdering her terminally ill husband has been granted bail after over a year in custody, while also being committed to stand trial in a separate legal proceeding.

Kylie Truswell-Mobbs, 50–51, faces charges related to the death of her husband David Mobbs, 56, at their home in Alexandra Hills, Queensland, in December 2023.

Mr. Mobbs suffered from an aggressive form of motor neurone disease and was bedridden and unable to speak in the final weeks of his life. Ms. Truswell-Mobbs has stated she administered medications through his feeding tube at his request.

Case Background

Mr. Mobbs was diagnosed with motor neurone disease. By early December 2023, his condition had deteriorated to the point that he was bedridden, could not speak, and communicated using a signing board, letter board, or grunts.

On December 5, 2023, a palliative care meeting was held. According to court testimony, Mr. Mobbs indicated at this meeting that he wished to continue for at least another week before considering end-of-life medication.

Following that meeting, Ms. Truswell-Mobbs allegedly began administering a combination of medications to her husband through his feeding tube. She has acknowledged providing these drugs over several hours, stating she was acting in accordance with her husband's wishes. Mr. Mobbs died in the early hours of December 6, 2023.

Legal Proceedings

Committal to Trial

In a Brisbane Magistrates Court committal hearing, the Crown prosecutor stated that the drugs administered by the defendant were reportedly not consistent with the voluntary assisted dying regime.

Witness testimony included:

• Rylee Relja (stepson): Testified that Mr. Mobbs expressed a desire to be free from his disease "on more than one occasion." On the night of December 5, his mother informed him she had given his father a "cocktail." When Rylee asked Mr. Mobbs if this was his desire, Mr. Mobbs reportedly blinked twice to indicate "yes." When asked whether another stepson should be called, Mr. Mobbs grunted "no" and later spelled out via a letter board that the other stepson would likely attempt to intervene.

• Jayden Relja (stepson): Stated he had wanted his father to "give it another week" before palliative care discussions on December 5. Jayden testified he was not contacted before his father's death, noting that if he had been called, events might not have unfolded as they did. He conceded, however, that his father might still have received the medication even if he had been present, and expressed that he was "happy he went as peacefully as he did."

The magistrate concluded that the evidence was sufficient to commit Ms. Truswell-Mobbs to stand trial.

She was ordered to appear in the Supreme Court in Brisbane on a date to be determined.

Bail Decision

Ms. Truswell-Mobbs was charged with murder in April 2025. Her initial bail application was refused.

In a later bail hearing, Justice Paul Smith granted bail, citing a material change in circumstances. The judge noted that evidence suggested Mr. Mobbs was "resolute in his desire to die" and that there is a better chance Ms. Truswell-Mobbs may be acquitted or found guilty of lesser charges such as manslaughter or aiding a suicide. The judge also stated she presents little risk of reoffending or flight.

Outside court, Rylee Relja said he was "relieved" at the bail outcome.