Justice Served in Remote Forest Murder: Man Convicted of Brutal 2021 Killing

Download IPFS

A New South Wales jury has found Rohen James Hanson guilty of the 2021 murder of his partner, Dee Annear, following a violent confrontation in the secluded Bulga Forest. The verdict brings an end to a disturbing case that raised serious concerns over domestic violence and integrity within the justice process.

The case centered around the death of 34-year-old Annear, whose body was discovered near a rustic cabin the couple had dubbed the “witch’s hut.” Hanson, now 42, initially told law enforcement that he had found Annear deceased. He later changed his story, claiming she had died in a car accident, and finally settled on a self-defense argument, alleging Annear attacked him with a beer bottle following a solo car crash he had earlier caused.

An autopsy, however, painted a different picture. According to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), Annear suffered extensive injuries, including fractures to her skull, jaw, ribs, and nose, as well as signs of strangulation and internal trauma, injuries more consistent with a brutal assault than defensive action.

Despite attempting to plead guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter, prosecutors rejected the offer. Hanson’s claim that he did not intend to kill Annear failed to sway the Supreme Court of New South Wales in Newcastle. A jury unanimously returned a guilty verdict on July 16.

The case was further complicated by testimony from Annear’s family and witnesses, suggesting a troubling pattern of abuse. Annear’s mother, Carolyn Butt, testified that she had personally witnessed Hanson punch and headbutt her daughter on separate occasions. Neighbors reported volatile behavior from the couple, recalling instances where alcohol-fueled arguments escalated into physical violence, allegedly ending with Hanson stomping on Annear’s head and striking her in the face.

These testimonies offered a grim backdrop to the prosecution’s argument that Annear had suffered prolonged domestic abuse. The jury’s decision appears to have validated those concerns and reinforced that self-defense claims must be grounded in credible, consistent evidence.

Hanson will face sentencing on September 5.

This case underscores the importance of taking domestic violence reports seriously and ensuring victims are heard long before tragedies like this unfold. It also reflects a justice system that, despite its flaws, can still hold individuals accountable, especially when they attempt to mislead law enforcement and manipulate the narrative after a violent act.