Police from the Republic of Palau have today, on behalf of South Australia Police Major Crime Investigation Branch, arrested a 43-year-old former Adelaide woman whose identity is supressed.
The woman faces charges in South Australia of two counts of attempted murder and two counts of conspiracy to murder. She has been remanded in custody in Koro, Palau.
In October 2017, a 30-year-old Littlehampton man, Mr. Hawtin was attacked and suffered axe wounds to his neck rendering him a quadriplegic. The subsequent criminal trial heard that a person known to him (his identity is supressed) inflicted the axe wounds after allegedly receiving a gunshot wound to his abdomen.
Detectives charged Mr. Hawtin with attempted murder. The initial police investigation and subsequent criminal trial proceeded on the basis of self-defence by Mr. (identity supressed). The court heard evidence that Mr. Hawtin had shot Mr. (identity supressed). Mr. Hawtin was acquitted at trial.
In 2020, Major Crime Investigation Branch commenced a review of the investigation named Operation Fabula. Operation Fabula identified evidence that has resulted in a warrant of apprehension being issued in Adelaide for a woman (identity supressed) who resided overseas.
Major Crime engaged Australian Commonwealth authorities and overseas police to assist in the investigation overseas leading up to the arrest.
Major Crime detectives and Australian Federal Police officers are continuing to support local police in Palau.
Operation Fabula has also resulted in the arrest of a 36-year-old man in Brisbane this evening. He will be charged with conspiracy to murder related offences.
The Brisbane man will appear in the Brisbane Magistrates Court tomorrow where Major Crime Detectives will seek his extradition to South Australia.
As Operation Fabula continues its investigations, further arrests and charges cannot be ruled out.
Anyone with information about the 2017 attempt murder incident at Littlehampton or activities associated with the incident is asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at https://crimestopperssa.com.au/
Note to media - The identity of the woman and man are supressed in the Adelaide Magistrates Court. Major Crime Investigation Branch will address the suppression orders tomorrow morning.
