Ex-husband was ‘seen driving different cars’ around seaside community in lead-up to her death

The ex-husband of a mother-of-three found dead in her garage was seen driving several different cars before her body was discovered.

Adrian Basham was questioned by homicide detectives over his ex-wife Samantha Fraser’s death on Phillip Island, Victoria on July 23.

The 41-year-old was charged with nine counts of assault in September 2017, and was due to face Latrobe Valley Magistrates Court on Monday.

Neighbours reported seeing Mr Basham driving different cars in the area in the months before Ms Fraser’s death.

 

Adrian Basham was questioned by homicide detectives over his ex-wife Samantha Fraser’s (pictured) death on Phillip Island, Victoria on July 23

Mr Basham's (pictured) behavior has been described as both aggressive and domineering. It is not suggested that Adrian Basham is responsible for the death of Samantha Fraser

Mr Basham’s (pictured) behavior has been described as both aggressive and domineering. It is not suggested that Adrian Basham is responsible for the death of Samantha Fraser

Residents told The Age they saw Mr Basham driving across the bridge from San Remo in different vehicles.

Four days before Ms Fraser was found dead, locals saw Mr Basham walking along the village’s main street.

Ms Fraser sought protection from Mr Basham after their separation, going to the extent of having her parents move into her Seagrove Way home.

The 38-year-old psychologist feared for her life in the months before her death,The Herald Sun reported.

Ms Fraser changed the locks to her home just a month before the discovery of her body.

At a vigil held on Friday night in her memory white ribbons were displayed, a symbol of the fight against domestic violence.

Ms Fraser’s parents, who were living with her at the time of her demise, had travelled to the United States a week prior to visit their son.

‘We came home as quick as we could,’ he said. 

‘Thank you for standing up for Samantha. She truly was a remarkable woman, a remarkable mother and a remarkable daughter.

‘If anyone can help us in any way, enabling us to bring her justice, the person who created this travesty, then please come forward.’ 

A month prior to the discovery of her body in the garage of her home (pictured), she had changed the locks to the property

A month prior to the discovery of her body in the garage of her home (pictured), she had changed the locks to the property

Ms Fraser’s mother is now in Melbourne looking after her three children, Jemima, Rex and April.

Friends have since noted Mr Basham’s behavior was often both aggressive and domineering.

Alice Bradley, a colleague of Ms Fraser, said she had told her she feared for her safety.

‘She had mentioned to me a lot that she felt unsafe… at times she was really frightened,’ Ms Bradley said.

‘She was a great mum, she was very involved in the local school, she had a large group of friends. She was very popular and just gorgeous.’ 

Police were alerted when Ms Fraser (pictured) didn't arrive to pick up her children from school in the afternoon

Police were alerted when Ms Fraser (pictured) didn’t arrive to pick up her children from school in the afternoon

They also added he had not coped well since the separation with Ms Fraser about two years prior. 

Not only was his ex-wife subjected to his aggression, but neighbour Toni Smith added she had also been verbally abused on one occasion when she refused to give Mr Basham any information regarding Ms Fraser.   

Her death came as a shock to the local community, who were notified of the murder investigation four days after her death.

Police were alerted when Ms Fraser didn’t arrive to pick up her children from school in the afternoon.

Police conducted a welfare check at her home on Seagrove Way, Phillip Island, only to find her dead.

It is not suggested that Adrian Basham is responsible for the death of Samantha Fraser. 

His scheduled appearance at Latrobe Valley Magistrates’ Court was adjourned until November 1. 

Homicide squad investigators questioned Mr Basham after Ms Fraser's body was found in her­garage on Monday

Homicide squad investigators questioned Mr Basham after Ms Fraser’s body was found in her­garage on Monday



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