Rugby player refused bail over death of unit building manager, 64, outside her Sydney unit complex

A teenager who allegedly bashed a woman to death outside her home in Sydney’s south-west has mental health problems, a court has heard.

Airds man Imaueli Jone Degei, 18, appeared in Parramatta Bail Court on Sunday after he was charged with the alleged murder of Kristina Kalnic.

The 130kg western Sydney rugby player didn’t apply for bail, which was formally refused by Magistrate John Crawford until his next court appearance October 22 at Fairfield Local Court, The Daily Telegraph reported.

An Airds man, 18 has been charged with murder in relation the death of Kristina Kalnic outside her Carramar unit complex (pictured) on Saturday

Emergency services were called to a unit complex in Sandal Crescent in Carramar just before 1.30pm on Saturday.

Ms Kalnic, 64, was found in the driveway suffering critical injuries and died at the scene, despite desperate attempts to revive her.

Officers from Fairfield Police arrested Degei after a short foot pursuit in nearby Wattle Street and later charged him with one count of murder.  

Neighbour Ula Naitokatoka, 21, was at home when she heard Ms Kalnic’s  screams.

‘I looked outside my window and the lady was on the ground and there was blood everywhere,’ she told The Daily Telegraph. 

‘I ran out but it was too late to do anything for her.’

It’s understood Ms Kalnic was the building manager at the complex and lived there with her husband, who was too distraught to speak on Sunday.

Shocked neighbours told 7 News that Ms Kalnic was well-liked in the area and led a quiet life.

Police (pictured) arrested a man, 18,  at the scene following a short pursuit in Sydney's south-west. Imaueli Jone Degei will remain in jail until his next court appearance

Police (pictured) arrested a man, 18,  at the scene following a short pursuit in Sydney’s south-west. Imaueli Jone Degei will remain in jail until his next court appearance

‘She lived here with her husband and she was known in the area and did the gardening around the front of the building,’ one man said.

‘I’ve lived here for five years and nothing like this has happened before ever, so it’s a bit of a shock.’

Resident Bhakti Panchal told The Daily Telegraph: ‘We prayed for her last night. Kristina was a good lady, very smart.’

A NSW Police spokeswoman told Daily Mail Australia that the alleged incident wasn’t domestic related and that no weapon was used in the alleged attack. 

Paramedics were unable to revive Kristina Kalnic, 64, who died at the scene

Paramedics were unable to revive Kristina Kalnic, 64, who died at the scene

It’s unknown whether Ms Kalnic knew her alleged attacker as residents said they had seen the man in the area previously.

Strike Force Bilba has been formed to investigate the death and inquiries are continuing.

Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. 

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