THE death of Raymond Terrace woman Janice Garrett on 7 July 2018 has been deemed a homicide by Magistrate Brett Shields, Deputy State Coroner.

Janice was 76-years-old and living with a disability when she died as a result of a fire at her home in Rosemount Drive, Raymond Terrace.

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The Coroner’s Court of New South Wales’ findings, released on March 8, reveal that prior to her passing, Janice had formed a relationship with Ronald Reeves, known as John, who lived with Janice in her home at Raymond Terrace.

The relationship between Janice and Ronald was described in the coroner’s report as “tumultuous and characterised by disagreement and argument” and that “Ronald is reported to have been verbally abusive towards Janice”.

The report states that Janice was very close to her children and she had spoken to them about wanting Reeves to move out of her home.

The relationship reportedly ended in or about April 2018, however Reeves remained living in Janice’s house until he apparently agreed to leave a couple of months later.

On 4 July 2018, Reeves organised for a removalist truck to attend the premises and he removed most of his property from Janice’s house to a storage unit.

Due to breathing and mobility issues, Janice lived mostly in the front living room of her house, where she slept in a reclining chair, unable to lie in a bed.

On the night of 7 July 2018, a neighbourr recognised Reeves’ car parked in Janice’s driveway, with Reeves seated in the front seat.

Two minutes later flames were seen coming from the side of Janice’s house, and a large ‘boom’ sound was heard.

A series of ‘boom’ sounds were then heard coming from the house, which was eventually engulfed by flame.

After neighbours attempted to assist, the fire was extinguished by Fire and Rescue NSW, and Janice’s body was recovered from inside the front lounge room.

Three nine-kilogram gas bottles were located inside the premises, one in the lounge room where Janice was found, and the other two in bedrooms.

Three metal fuel containers were located in a room at the rear of the premises, and a further gas bottle and fuel container was located in Janice’s vehicle that was parked under the carport.

Later that day, Reeves was involved in a car accident on the Pacific Highway, which is thought to have been an attempt to suicide.

He was arrested by Police and taken by Ambulance to John Hunter Hospital for treatment for his injuries.

On the 9 July 2018, Reeves was charged by Police, inter alia, with the murder of Janice.

On 22 April 2019, whilst being held on remand at Goulburn Correctional Facility, Reeves was found unconscious in his cell and transported to Canberra Hospital, where he died on 17 May 2019.

At the date of his death Reeves had not entered any plea to, or been convicted of, the charges laid against him concerning Janice’s death.

On behalf of The Coroners Court of New South Wales, Magistrate Brett Shields offered “sincere and respectful condolences to Janice’s family”.

After the release of the Coroner’s report last week, Janice’s daughter Vanessa told News Of The Area, “Thank you to the Police and Coroners office for their efforts.

“Thank you to all that tried to help on that dreadful night.”

Rest in peace Janice.