Woman pleads not guilty to DV murder of man found dead on Newell Highway

In June 2025, Mark Akers was travelling from Brisbane to Melbourne before his body was found beside the Newell Highway near Jerilderie.

Lisa Anne Silson has now pleaded not guilty to domestic violence-related murder.

Ms Silson will face trial in the NSW Supreme Court in August 2027.

The woman charged over an alleged fatal hit-and-run near Jerilderie in Southern NSW has pleaded not guilty to murder.

Lisa Anne Silson appeared in the NSW Supreme Court via video link on Friday morning, charged with the domestic violence murder of Mark Akers.

On June 17, 2025, Mr Akers's body was found beside the Newell Highway, south of Jerilderie, two days after he reportedly left his home in Brisbane to drive to Melbourne with a companion.

He was last seen alive on June 16 at about 2:30am, recorded by CCTV at a service station in the town.

Murray River Police said at the time Mr Akers had suffered critical injuries which they alleged were the result of being hit by a car.

In July 2025, Victoria Police carried out a search warrant at a home in Hampton Park in Melbourne's east where Ms Silson, who was known to Mr Akers, was arrested.

Three months later, Ms Silson was extradited from Victoria and transported to Deniliquin Police Station, where she was charged with the domestic violence-related murder of Mr Akers.

She has not made any applications for bail and remains in custody.

Ms Silson's trial will take place in the Wagga Wagga Supreme Court from August 30, 2027 and is expected to take four weeks.