Camden car crash victim identified as teacher – one of two motorists killed when allegedly stolen car slammed into their Alfa Romeo

A community is mourning the loss of a much-loved teacher who was killed after an allegedly stolen car rammed into her vehicle in a horrific car crash.

Lee Casuscelli, 60, died alongside an 84-year-old family member after Peter Francis, 31, allegedly crashed into them on Old Hume Highway at Camden South at about 11.10am on Saturday.

Police alleged Francis had been travelling at speed in a red Toyota when he collided with Ms Casuscelli’s Alfa Romeo sedan, killing her almost on impact. 

The highway was shut down in both directions following the crash and Francis, who allegedly ran from the scene, was arrested shortly after on nearby Nepean Avenue.

Police allege Francis had stolen the car at a service station on King Georges Road, South Hurstville, in Sydney’s south, in the hours before the fatal collision.

Francis was taken to Campbelltown Hospital for mandatory testing before being taken to Campbelltown Police Station where he was charged with eleven offences including two counts of dangerous driving occasion death/drive manner dangerous.

He was refused bail and appeared at the Bail Division Court 6 early on Sunday morning.

The Camden community has been left in mourning by the death of Ms Casuscelli, who had specialised in early childhood and disability services and taught for more than 40 years.

The teacher has been described as a ‘rare jewel’ and a ‘shining light’ by those who knew her. 

‘Lee contributed to every sphere of her life in such inspiring ways. She continued to enrich this world in more ways than I can enumerate,’ her colleague Jill Myer said.

‘A rare jewel. A shining light.

‘Lee, none of us will ever forget how you enriched our lives.

‘Our hearts are broken, with your family …& especially FOR your family.’

Other mourners remembered her as a devoted mother, teacher, mentor and wife who was a ‘kind, loving woman’ and her children’s ‘biggest cheerleader’.

At the time of her death, Francis, who police said was unlicensed, had been engaged in a getaway from police who had been in pursuit after the car was allegedly stolen at South Hurstville.

The other nine charges he is now facing include two counts of aggravated dangerous driving occasioning death – escaping pursuit; driving recklessly/furiously or at speed in a manner dangerous; police pursuit – not stop – driving dangerously; failing to stop and assist after vehicle impact causing death; negligent driving – occasioning death, driving unlicensed not stopping at stop line at red light; and assault with the intent to take/drive motor vehicle.

Francis has been refused bail on all 11 counts.

Assistant Commissioner Brett McFadden said officers had tried to capture him prior to the fatal crash but that their pursuit had to be terminated in the Bankstown area.

‘It was one of the most reckless and dangerous, demonstrations of driving I’ve seen in a long time,’ Commissioner McFadden said.

‘I’ve watched the footage from our aviation support aircraft, and I can tell you that there were no police vehicles around this driver.’

Polair still managed to track his car for 40 minutes following this when there were no more police cars on his tail.

Multiple crime scenes were established at the scene of the crash and a critical incident team is now leading an ongoing investigation into what happened. 

They are supported by St George Police and the Crash Investigation Unit and their end report will be reviewed by the Professional Standards Command and overseen by the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC).