Kylie Truswell-Mobbs, a 51-year-old woman from south-east Queensland, has been committed to stand trial for the murder of her terminally ill husband, David Mobbs. Mr. Mobbs, 56, who had motor neurone disease, passed away at his Alexandra Hills residence in December 2023. Ms. Truswell-Mobbs is accused of administering a combination of medications to Mr. Mobbs to end his life.
Court Proceedings
During a committal hearing in the Brisbane Magistrates Court, Crown prosecutor Stephanie Gallagher stated that Mr. Mobbs's aggressive degenerative condition had rendered him bedridden by early December 2023, limiting his communication to a signing board or grunts.
A palliative care meeting on December 5, 2023, included an indication from Mr. Mobbs that he wished to continue for at least another week before considering end-of-life medication.
Ms. Gallagher informed the court that following this meeting, Ms. Truswell-Mobbs allegedly began administering drugs intended to bring about the end of his life. These drugs were reportedly not consistent with the voluntary assisted dying regime.
In an interview, the defendant admitted to providing these drugs over several hours, stating it was in accordance with her husband's wishes.
Witness Accounts
Testimony of Rylee Relja
Mr. Mobbs's stepson, Rylee Relja, testified that his father had expressed "on more than one occasion" a desire to be free from his disease.
Rylee stated that upon returning home on the night of December 5, his mother informed him she had given his father a "cocktail." Rylee then asked his father if this was his desire, and Mr. Mobbs reportedly blinked twice to indicate "yes."
When asked if another stepson, Jayden, should be called, Mr. Mobbs grunted "no" and later spelled out via a letter board that Jayden would likely attempt to intervene.
Testimony of Jayden Relja
Another stepson, Jayden Relja, stated that he had wanted his father to "give it another week" before palliative care discussions earlier on December 5.
Jayden recounted witnessing his father experiencing distress later that day, after which Jayden told his father he could manage independently. Mr. Mobbs died by approximately 5 AM on December 6.
Jayden testified he was not contacted before his father's death, noting that if he had been called, the 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."
Outcome
The magistrate concluded that the evidence presented was sufficient to commit Ms. Truswell-Mobbs to stand trial. She was ordered to appear in the Supreme Court in Brisbane on a date yet to be determined.