Former Deputy Mayor Paul Cohrs Granted Sentence Reduction Following Appeal Over Shotgun Murder of His Elderly Mother

The Victoria Court of Appeal has reduced Paul Cohrs' 30 year murder sentence to 27 years, citing his delusional disorder as a factor in his mother's killing.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 3, 2026, 5:09 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from News.com.au

A Modified Sentence for a Former Public Official

Paul Anthony Cohrs, a former deputy mayor of the Wentworth Shire, received a mixed ruling from Victoria’s Court of Appeal on Thursday regarding the 2018 shotgun murder of his mother, Bette Cohrs-Schulz. Although the court rejected his bid to overturn the conviction entirely, the panel of three judges elected to reduce his total jail term by three years. Cohrs, who appeared via video link in prison greens, was originally sentenced to three decades in custody in late 2024. Under the new 27 year sentence, the 66 year old will now be eligible for parole in late 2038, roughly three years earlier than previously scheduled.

Psychiatric Testimony and the Delusional Disorder Defense

The legal proceedings have focused heavily on Cohrs' mental state at the time of the killings. During his 2024 trial, a jury rejected a defense of mental impairment despite testimony from two psychiatrists who confirmed Cohrs suffered from a delusional disorder. The court heard that Cohrs was entrenched in a years long dispute with his brother, Raymond Cohrs, whom he believed was embezzling family funds and was responsible for their father's death. Cohrs admitted to the killings but argued that his delusions prevented him from understanding that his actions were morally wrong. The jury, however, found that he remained legally responsible for the homicides.

The Narrative of a Violent Family Dispute

The events of October 30, 2018, began at Lake Victoria Station in New South Wales, where Cohrs confronted his brother Raymond. Using a 12-gauge shotgun, Cohrs killed Raymond and handcuffed a real estate agent present at the scene inside a shed. He then traveled 110 kilometers back across the border to Red Cliffs, Victoria, where his 81 year old mother was caring for his grandson. After placing the child in a bathroom for safety, Cohrs shot his mother dead, believing she had sided with Raymond in their business and personal disputes. The court previously described the double killing as a grave act of violence fueled by deep seated anger and perceived betrayal.