Source : Perth Now news
WARNING: DISTRESSING DETAILS.
Former neighbours of the Perth man charged with murder after the body of a 17-year-old Thai girl was found dumped inside a suitcase have expressed their shock after details of the distressing crime made international headlines.
Simon Peter Carman, 45, was arrested by Thai immigration officers at Suvarnabhumi Airport late Friday, reportedly minutes before he was due to leave Thailand on a Jetstar flight bound to arrive in Perth.
By Sunday, he was facing charges including murder after the naked body of a local girl, Tunchanok Donhomla, was found dumped and stuffed inside a black suitcase — in a grassed area near railway tracks about 10 minutes drive from the Australian’s hotel.
Pattaya City Police put out what local media describe as a “watch notice” to immigration officers amid fears Mr Carman could be leaving the country before his arrest.
The warning was issued within hours of authorities receiving a missing person report after the girl was unaccounted for.
Investigators tracked her final movements to Mr Carman’s hotel, where she was allegedly seen being led by her hand up an elevator by the Australian early Thursday.
Local media reported that she had been engaged for sexual services.
Footage taken from outside the hotel on Thursday evening showed Mr Carman leaving alone — and pulling a suitcase.
It is understood Mr Carman was born in Ballarat but grew up in Jerramungup, 440km south east of Perth, before later moving with his family to Albany. He reportedly also lived in Rockingham for a time, working as a mechanic.
Footage of the moment the body of the young girl is discovered by police, has been viewed by The West Australian.
She was found partially covered in similar-looking clothes to what she was filmed when holding Mr Carman’s hand.
Mr Carman faces charges of murder, moving or destroying a body, concealment of a body, and a charge related to taking a child aged between 15 and 18 for sexual purposes.
The West has also confirmed that the 45-year-old previously lived in Perth’s southern suburb of Casuarina for several years.
A woman who answered the door to a Casuarina property which is listed in Mr Carman’s name told The West that he did not live there anymore, but that mail was still being delivered to him.
She said she was unaware of the allegations.
Nearby Casuarina resident Shelley, who didn’t want her surname used, said she was “really shocked” by the news after previously meeting Mr Carman.
To read what his former neighbours said visit thewest.com.au
