Merril Kelly was found dead when emergency services were called to a blaze near a cemetery in Victoria.

The perpetrator was known to Merril and just a few days before, he ranted on social media about a row he had with her over work he did at the local pool.

Merril was a beloved member of her community. She had spent 27 years on the board of Community Health until her retirement in 2023 and had maintained a pivotal role in the maintenance of the community swimming pool.

AGE: 70
LOCATION: Quambatook, Australia
CAUSE OF DEATH: Unknown
DATE OF DEATH: January 21
SUSPECT: Brian Robert Barnes (67)
RELATIONSHIP TO VICTIM: Known to victim
STATUS: Charged with murder