Perth Man Receives Life Sentence for Brutal Partner Murder and Body Burning
A man who brutally stabbed his partner to death and then attempted to incinerate her body after a heated argument concerning drugs, finances, and infidelity has been sentenced to life imprisonment. Luke Hanif Sekkouah, aged 37, pleaded guilty in the Western Australia Supreme Court to murdering Erica Hay in Perth's southern suburbs during April 2024.
Justice Describes 'Sustained, Relentless and Brutal' Attack
On Friday, Justice Natalie Whitby imposed a life sentence with a non-parole period of 24 years. She detailed the attack as 'sustained, relentless and brutal,' noting that Sekkouah stabbed Ms Hay repeatedly in the head, neck, and body, causing fatal injuries to her heart, liver, and lungs. 'She could not defend herself against your rage and you were armed with a deadly weapon,' Justice Whitby stated in court.
One of Ms Hay's daughters was present in the home during the assault and may have witnessed her deceased mother lying on the floor. 'After you repeatedly stabbed her and she had fallen and hit her head, you continued to stab her,' the judge added. 'Erica was defenceless against your violence. Erica's injuries were horrific.'
Attempt to Cover Up Crime with Fire
Following the murder, Sekkouah, a known methylamphetamine user, left the residence to purchase a six-pack of beer from a nearby liquor store. He then stole a bottle of turpentine from an IGA supermarket and returned to the home. In the early hours of the next morning, he poured the turpentine over Ms Hay's body and some furniture before igniting it.
'Your intention to incinerate Erica's body after you had killed her was a vile and degrading act,' Justice Whitby remarked. 'This attempt to cover up was deliberate and planned. Your offending is the most extreme form of domestic violence.'
Aftermath and Investigation
After setting the fire, Sekkouah, who was covered in tattoos and remained motionless during court proceedings, scooped up Ms Hay's daughter and fled to a neighbour's house, requesting they call emergency services. Firefighters later discovered Ms Hay's partially burned body in a hallway.
Sekkouah, employed as a mechanical fitter, initially told police he was asleep when the house filled with smoke and that he escaped after grabbing Ms Hay's daughter. However, detectives grew suspicious upon learning he showed no signs of smoke inhalation and after observing Ms Hay's 23 stab wounds.
Victim Remembered and Lack of Remorse
Justice Whitby highlighted that Ms Hay was a mother of four, as well as a daughter, sister, and friend. 'No term of imprisonment can measure the value of her life,' she said. 'She had so much life ahead of her.'
Sekkouah initially contested the murder charge, pleading guilty only on the first day of his trial. He then disputed the facts, leading to a multi-day hearing to resolve the issues. The judge was critical of Sekkouah's apology letter, describing his 'sustained and deceptive conduct' as demonstrating a clear lack of remorse.
The court heard that Sekkouah suffers from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and lacks the skills to manage relationships, with daily alcohol and cannabis use noted.
Outcry from Victim's Friend
Outside the courtroom, Ms Hay's childhood friend, Amanda Broad, expressed her anguish, stating she hopes Sekkouah 'rots in hell' and should not have been granted a non-parole period. 'I just want my friend back and I'm never going to get her back,' she said through tears. 'He gets to sit pretty in prison... my friend doesn't, my friend is gone.'
