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A SECOND housemate has been charged with the murder of Kangaroo Flat woman Samantha Kelly.
Christine Ann Lyons, 45, had her charges upgraded from being an accessory to murder, to one count of murder.
A spokesperson for Victoria Police confirmed the upgraded charge on Thursday.
Lyons was the housemate of Ms Kelly and has remained in custody since she was initially charged on February 13.
Another housemate, Peter James Arthur, 44, was also charged with murder.
Ronald Lyons, 44, was charged with being an accessory to murder and was released on bail on March 22.
The trio were charged in relation to the death of Ms Kelly, which occurred “on or about” January 20 in their Kangaroo Flat home. Ms Kelly’s body was found in bushland in Shelbourne on February 12.
Police allege Arthur murdered Ms Kelly with a hammer, before Christine and Ronald Lyons allegedly helped to orchestrate a cover up, as well as helping to hide her body.
Christine Lyons intended to apply for bail at a hearing on June 22, but the application was withdrawn without her knowledge. The court had earlier heard she has an intellectual disability.
All three will appear at a committal hearing in the Bendigo Magistrates’ Court on September 14.