But to community outsiders, the locals are understandably guarded in their comments.

Death from domestic violence has affected this community, an area well-known for its cool climate wines, its large and famous annual field day and its equine competitions, before. But not for many years.

Until now, the hottest topic of discussion has been the long-awaited duplication of the Barton Highway, a multimillion-dollar federal project which will see traffic diverted around the town and an end to the relentless stream of 13,000 cars, buses and trucks which roll through every day, according to a survey last year.

When sirens are heard in Murrumbateman, it's more often than not first responders rushing to crashes on the highway.

As recently as May 25, two people died in a head-on crash near Wallaroo and the highway closed for more than six hours.

So when sirens were heard late on Monday night, the logical conclusion drawn by many was that it was another road-related incident.

Arrested and charged over Monday's incident is Mark Vella's partner, Dale Lee Vella, 52. She appeared in the Goulburn Local Court on Tuesday, did not apply for bail, and was remanded in custody.

During the accused's brief appearance by video link, her defence solicitor Jacqueline Gore, entered an application for her client to receive "urgent psychiatric and psychological assistance", in addition to medical assistance in relation to a previous cancer diagnosis.

Details around the incident are sparse, and will remain so until the trial begins.

On the Murrumbateman Rd property are two closely built, single-storey brick homes, each with a separate driveway.

It is understood that Mark and Dale Vella were renting one of the homes on the property and their daughter the other.

The property where the incident occurred sits well off the road, as do many other semi-rural properties which surround it. The police crime-scene tape which bound the front gate shut is now gone, with two white four-wheel-drive vehicles parked in the well-kept front yard.

In 2020, a proposal was put to the Yass Valley Council to rezone the property from primary production to large-lot residential, and create a small subdivision of nine smaller lots of two hectares each.

Such processes are usually protracted in nature, and this one has been no different.

There is only one taxi in Murrumbateman, and business has been very slow for Barry Bain since Covid restrictions hit.

Mr Bain was a Canberra cop for 25 years, and moved to Murrumbateman back in 1993. Only in the past year have he and his wife moved back to the city to be closer to the grandchildren.

Given his background in policing, he has seen his share of violent crime, and feels for the family in Monday's incident.

"It's a very sad thing to hear; so many lives ruined," he said.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: