A barrister who dedicated her career to helping women and children affected by family violence was murdered by her partner in a brutal attack in a Crown Towers hotel room.
Cameron John Pearson, 44, was sentenced to life in the WA Supreme Court for the murder of Alice McShera, 34, after he bludgeoned her to death with a champagne bottle at the luxury hotel in Perth.
He was sentenced the same week the WA Ombudsman released a report revealing the highest level of family and domestic violence-related incidents had been recorded in the state’s history.
Sign up to The Nightly’s newsletters.
Get the first look at the digital newspaper, curated daily stories and breaking headlines delivered to your inbox.
By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Alice Rose McShera was brutally murdered her partner Cameron John Pearson in a senseless act of violence in a Crown Towers hotel room. Supplied Credit: Supplied
The ombudsman warned family and domestic violence remained a serious and escalating issue in Western Australia, with more than 63,100 incidents reported to police and other authorities in 2024–25 — a 32 per cent increase on the previous year.
The report also found significant gaps in the system, including a lack of programs for perpetrators and other shortcomings in how government services respond.
While most interventions support victim survivors, the ombudsman found there was little engagement or accountability for repeat offenders.
“Family and domestic violence response teams are handling more cases every year, making it vital that their work is effective and consistent,” a report stated.
“Many people who use violence, cycle through the system without meaningful intervention to change their behaviour.”
Women’s Safety and Wellbeing Chief Executive Officer Alison Evans said Western Australia continues to record some of the highest rates of family and domestic violence in the nation. Image: Supplied Credit: Supplied
Women’s Safety and Wellbeing Chief Executive Officer Alison Evans said Western Australia continued to record some of the highest rates of family and domestic violence in the nation.
The organisation is the state’s peak body for family and domestic services, noting in the past fortnight, four men have been sentenced for killing a current or former partner in Western Australia.
“These are not isolated incidents, they reflect a broader, ongoing crisis that is impacting women, children, families and communities across the state,” Dr Evans said.
“WA Police crime data also shows reported incidents of family and domestic violence assaults and threatening behaviour have increased year on year.
“While these statistics are deeply alarming, we know they are only the tip of the iceberg, as a majority of victim-survivors do not report their abuse to police.”
Women’s Safety and Wellbeing Chief Executive Officer Alison Evans said police data showed reported incidents of family and domestic violence, assaults and threatening behaviour increased year on year. Photo: ABC Credit: ABC
Dr Evans said family and domestic violence services provided expert support, listening to victim-survivors, helping them understand their options and supporting them to decide their next steps.
She said these life-saving services also assist with safety planning, if victim-survivors are still living with the person causing harm or preparing to leave.
“But across WA, specialist family and domestic violence services are under immense pressure because they are not funded to respond in a timely way to all women and children seeking help,” she said.
“Demand is already outstripping supply, and without sustained investment in workforce, outreach, counselling and recovery services, the system will remain overwhelmed.”
Dr Evans said coordinated, multi-agency responses can be life-saving when risks are properly identified and acted on.
“But when risk is underestimated or services aren’t available, critical opportunities to protect women and children are lost — sometimes with fatal consequences,” she said.
She said strengthening these responses, particularly in regional areas, was essential.
“No woman or child should feel unsafe at home, and no one should be turned away when they seek help. Access to the right support, at the right time, can save lives,” she said.
“At the same time, we must invest in preventing violence before it occurs.
“It’s time for all of us to help build safer communities — in our homes, schools and workplaces — so everyone can live free from fear and in good health.”
Justice Joseph McGrath said 10 intimate partners were killed in Western Australia in 2024-25 and an intimate partner was killed every eight days across Australia over the same period. Credit: News Limited
Justice Joseph McGrath said 10 intimate partners were killed in Western Australia in 2024-25 and an intimate partner was killed every eight days across Australia over the same period.
He said Pearson’s murder was a very serious example of intimate partner violence.
“Your offending involved the brutal, senseless and unprovoked killing of your defenceless partner,” Mr McGrath said during sentencing.
The court was told Ms McShera worked hard to become a lawyer, then after years of perseverance and dedication became a barrister passionate about the prevention of violence against women and girls.
She met Pearson in December 2022 and they formed a relationship the following month.
The court was told Pearson had no history of domestic violence, but his earlier relationships had been marred by drug use.
While his relationship with Ms McShera started out well, it became increasingly volatile with occasional conflict, drinking and drugs.
The pair were on again and off again before they reconciled in October 2023.
A doctor noted Pearson was heavily affected by methamphetamine, sleep deprivation and drug-induced psychosis when the attack occurred, which increased his risk of violent behaviour.
Pearson was sentenced to life in jail with a non parole period of 19 years. 9News Credit: Channel 9
Mr McGrath said there was a high degree of trust inherent in an intimate relationship.
“It was this trust which meant that Ms McShera was alone in a hotel room with you, vulnerable to your offending,” he said.
“You abused her trust and exploited her vulnerability in the most callous way possible.
“Ms McShera was an entirely innocent victim of your senseless violence.
“It has left an enduring void in the lives of a family who loved her deeply, and a circle of friends who remain as loyal to her as she was to them.”
Pearson must serve at least 19 years in jail before he is eligible for parole.
