An 88-year-old woman, Gay Bernadette Branchi, has been charged with attempting to kill her 90-year-old husband, former business executive Robert Branchi, at a luxury aged care facility in Perth.
Mrs Branchi was arrested at The Queenslea aged care service on Friday, September 25, one day after the alleged incident occurred in the affluent western suburb of Claremont, just days after her husband celebrated his 90th birthday.
A Western Australia Police spokesperson told the Daily Mail that the alleged incident occurred on Thursday, September 24, and involved a 90-year-old man known to the accused. Police subsequently charged Mrs Branchi with one count of attempted unlawfully to kill.
The couple shared a room at The Queenslea, a high-end facility located in Perth's exclusive western suburbs, where room deposits reportedly exceed $1.6 million. Claremont is widely known as one of Western Australia's most prosperous residential enclaves along the Swan River.
Court appearance and bail concerns
Appearing before the Perth Magistrates Court via audio-visual link on Friday, Mrs Branchi appeared emotional and spoke only to confirm her identity during the brief hearing.
Her defence lawyer submitted an application for bail; however, the presiding magistrate stated that the gravity of the attempted killing allegations prevented her from considering the request at that time.
The magistrate nevertheless voiced strong concern about keeping Mrs Branchi in custody, highlighting that she was vulnerable and might be living with dementia. "I have real concerns as to whether she can be remanded in custody," the magistrate told the court, adding, "My hands are tied."
Mrs Branchi was subsequently released on bail on Sunday, September 27. She is scheduled to appear before the Stirling Gardens Magistrates Court on Wednesday. The Stirling Gardens court specifically handles committal hearings and preliminary management for major criminal indictments in Western Australia.
Executive career and property portfolio
Mr Branchi established a prominent business profile in Western Australia during a 25-year tenure as chairman of Automotive Holdings Group, which grew into Australia's largest car dealership and logistics operation. Over his quarter-century leadership of the Perth-based network, he built a major shareholding that at one point reached more than 17 million shares, valued at roughly $53 million.
After retiring from his corporate post in late 2010, Mr Branchi later realised almost $14 million six years later when he sold millions of his remaining shares in the company.
Property records reveal that the couple, who have two adult children, maintain a multi-million-dollar real estate footprint across Perth. Their assets include a riverside home in Mosman Park valued at around $5 million, two commercial car dealerships worth millions, and a Cottesloe property occupied by a boutique wine bar. Records also show they sold about $5.2 million in real estate last year.
In recent years, the family turned their focus toward philanthropy through the Branchi Family Foundation. Their charitable gifts have supported leading West Australian institutions, including the annual Telethon fundraising initiative for children's health and the West Australian Symphony Orchestra, the state's flagship performing arts body.
