Huge development as Former Nationals candidate is charged over alleged hit-and-run death of high school teacher

By ASHLEY NICKEL, NEWS REPORTER, AUSTRALIA and CAITLIN POWELL - NEWS REPORTER Published: 07:39, 20 May 2026 | Updated: 07:58, 20 May 2026 Former Nationals candidate Benjamin Thomas Simpkins has been charged for the alleged fatal hit-and-run of a high school teacher. Simpkins fronted the Perth Magistrates Court for the first time on Wednesday following the death of Katanning Senior High School teacher Luke Russell earlier this month. The 49-year-old teacher's body was found by a member of the public on Marri Drive in Katanning, about 277km south-east of Perth, at 5.35am on May 13. It's alleged Simpkins hit Mr Russell about 5.17am that morning while driving to work in his Toyota HiLux, allegedly while his licence was suspended, The West reported. Simpkins ran for a Legislative Council seat in the 2025 WA state election.  Mr Russell joined the local school in 2020, served as a group coordinator for Years 7 to 10, and contributed to the school's newsletter. Photos shared by the school in early 2023 show Mr Russell dressed in a bed sheet styled as a toga to teach a Year 7 class about democracy. 'A vote was held as an example of direct democracy to vote out who was thought too powerful,' the caption read. 'Mr Russell was banished for 10 years!' Former Nationals candidate Benjamin Thomas Simpkins (above) has been charged for the alleged fatal hit-and-run of high school teacher, Luke Russell Locals said the teacher had lived in the town for several years and was regularly seen walking his German Shepherd. He is understood to have lived on Casuarina Drive, which is adjacent to Marri Drive. Before joining Katanning Senior High School, Mr Russell did a stint at Pemberton District High School, located about 200km away.  Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article.