Child witnesses recount horrifying night of alleged murder in Tambellup on second day of trial

Three children have taken the stand on the second day of a murder trial in Albany to speak about the horrifying night of the alleged murder of Tambellup man Wilfred Williams. Gregory John William Quartermaine, 42, is on trial at the Albany Supreme Court for the alleged murder of 60-year-old Wilfred Williams at a house in Tambellup about midnight on August 4 last year. One young witness, who was at the Garrity Street house that night, said Mr Quartermaine attended the property three times in the hours leading up to Mr William’s death. The girl, who was 14 at the time, said the third visit was when the alleged murder took place. She said Mr Quartermaine was a “big drug addict” and was a frequent user of methamphetamine and speed. On the night of August 3-4, she said Mr Quartermaine “wasn’t the usual Greg” and was displaying “non-human behaviour”. “When he’s on drugs it’s scary, but it was never this bad, he was almost demonic,” she said. The girl said she remembered Mr Quartermaine saying “I have to kill Uncle Willy.” Tambellup police officer Sergeant Joshua Humble also took the stand in Albany today, testifying that he was told about the incident by Albany police at 12:08am. At 12:15am, Sgt Humble received another call advising him the incident was continuing. Sgt Humble arrived at the house about 12.38am, along with two Katanning police officers. The Katanning police officers arrested Mr Quartermaine, who was outside, while Sgt Humble entered the house. Sgt Humble said he saw Mr Williams’ body surrounded by “a lot of blood” in the kitchen area. He also saw injuries to the groin area, including the removal of Mr Williams’ genitalia. Sgt Humble then searched the house and evacuated five occupants, including children, from two of the bedrooms. At 1:55am, Mr Quartermaine was placed in a police vehicle. The accused left with police at 2:07am, Sgt Humble said. The sister of Mr Quartermaine, Millicent Williams, also took the stand today. Giving her evidence by video-link, the woman said she first heard Mr Quartermaine come to the house on Garrity Street about 7:30pm. “I was in my mum’s room watching a movie. I heard ‘Mum, Mum, open the door,’” she said. “I heard Greg walk in and ask for Uncle Willy.” Ms Williams told the court she remembered seeing Mr Quartermaine holding a machete before she ran outside to get help. State prosecutor David Davidson said Ms Williams was being evasive and deliberately difficult during on the stand. However Supreme Court Justice Stephen Hall said she was trying to be loyal to her brother. “It’s not in dispute that he (Mr Quartermaine) killed him,” Justice Hall said. “There’s no doubt he did it, whether (the witness) saw what happened or not.” As each witness gave evidence, Mr Quartermaine remained solemn and silent with his head bowed, only looking up to reach for his cup of water. The trial continues.