Northern Territory day spa owner apologises after suggesting ‘sugar addiction’ was behind alleged murder of shop owner
A Northern Territory business owner has apologised after posting a video claiming sugar addiction was behind the alleged murder of Nightcliff Friendly Grocer owner Linford Feick.
Marii Oblescuk, who owns Cullen Bay Day Spa, filmed herself at the memorial outside the store and claimed the alleged murder occurred because the accused was “addicted to sugar.”
She posted the video to the spa’s Facebook page on Thursday afternoon, less than a day after Mr Feick’s death.
Ms Oblescuk’s comments were in response to community speculation that the stolen item may have included a bottle of soft drink.
“We can point the finger at the judicial system, the government for not being tougher on crime, but the root cause was this kid was addicted to sugar,” Ms Oblescuk said in the video.
Eighteen-year-old Phillip Parry has been charged with murder. It is alleged he was stealing items from the store when Mr Feick, 71, confronted him.
She also described sugar as a “toxin” that impacts the brain.
The video, which was deleted after widespread backlash, had been viewed over 35,000 times and circulated widely on local Facebook groups.
Following criticism over the video’s timing and content, Ms Oblescuk repeated her views on the Cullen Bay Day Spa Instagram page, commenting on a 2023 post by Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro.
In her comments, she urged people to “wake up and stop companies from killing us with their toxic products,” and further stated that sugar and energy drinks were “killing people and causing trauma to the rest of the community.”
One social media user responded: “Take your sugar debate elsewhere, someone’s life has just been taken and a family AND a community are mourning the loss due to this tragic event. How dare you.”
On Saturday, Ms Oblescuk posted a follow-up video in which she apologised.
“From the bottom of my heart, I did not mean to disrespect anyone,” she said.
She also criticised the legal system and said she planned to write to the Chief Minister with alternative proposals.
“We’re not perfect, I’m also going through menopause, and could go through brain fog a few times, and not remember what I’m saying or be as coherent as I want to be,” she said. “I’m sorry, I did not mean to offend anyone and please find it in your heart to forgive, and so we can move on and find a solution and rebuild our territory.”
Speaking to the NT News, Ms Oblescuk said her intention was to “inspire positive change” and offer alternative approaches to addressing crime in the Northern Territory.
“We have a responsibility (as business owners) to protect our staff and customers,” she said.
Ms Oblescuk has been contacted for further comment.