State to close case against man accused of smothering Kaneville woman

The prosecution is expected to close its case when the murder trial of Haslyn Hodge, accused of smothering the mother of his children to death, continues today before Justice Navindra Singh in the High Court.

The state’s case is being led by Konyo Thompson and Dhanika Singh, who yesterday presented all but one of their witnesses, who will testify today.

Hodge, who is represented by defence counsel Peter Hugh, has pleaded not guilty to killing Tamasha Riddle, of 126 First Field, Kaneville.

Haslyn Hodge
Tamasha Riddle

Riddle, who had two children with Hodge, was discovered dead on her bed by a close neighbour, Judy McCalman. She was found with a pillow on her face and died as a result of asphyxiation.

Hodge claimed that he did not see or hear from Riddle and had asked her mother, Lynette Riddle, to call her. He had also said that Tamasha had called and told him that she had received phone calls from a man who had threatened to kill her because she was “giving him blow.”