The story of Katherine Knight remains one of the most disturbing crimes in Australia. Knight, a mother of four from Aberdeen, New South Wales, was convicted of murdering her partner, John Price, in February 2000. Her violent actions stunned the nation and led to her becoming the first woman in Australia to receive a life sentence without parole.

Before the killing, Knight was known in her community as a skilled meatworker with a short temper. Neighbors later said they never expected the tragedy that unfolded. Her temper had shown warning signs in the past. She had once stabbed Price during an argument, prompting him to seek a restraining order. Despite this, the couple later reconciled.

On the day before the murder, Price told coworkers that he feared for his safety. He warned them to call police if he failed to show up the next morning. His fears proved tragically justified.

The next day, neighbors noticed blood near Knight’s front door and called authorities. When police entered the home, they found Price deceased inside and Knight unconscious nearby. She had taken pills but survived.

Former officers later described the scene as one of the worst they had ever witnessed. Court officials said Price likely experienced extreme fear in his final moments. Knight was arrested, charged, and ultimately sentenced to life in prison in 2001. Her appeal in 2006 was rejected.

Reports later revealed that Knight had endured severe abuse during her childhood, which contributed to violent behavior throughout her adult life. Former partners described patterns of aggression, threats, and physical attacks. Investigators said the warning signs were numerous but ultimately unheeded.