Stephan Wagner: Man accused of trying to murder woman with poison-laced cup of tea identified

A man accused of trying to murder a woman with a poison-laced cup of tea has been identified as a semi-retired Sydney businessman.

Stephan Wagner, 61, was arrested at his home in St Andrews on Tuesday and appeared in court on domestic violence-related attempted murder charges on Wednesday.

Police say he tried to poison his 66-year-old wife Glenda Wagner with a cup of tea that had been laced with insecticide. A bottle of insecticide seized by police has been sent for forensic examination.

Mr Wagner had recently told neighbours his partner was unwell due to allergies, 7NEWS reports.

Friends of the couple say they were left shocked at the news of the arrest.

“I can’t believe it... I find it hard to believe... they were a nice couple,” a neighbour said.

According to his LinkedIn profile, Mr Wagner is “enjoying semi-retirement whilst still ‘empowering business success’.”

Over his 40-year career, Mr Wagner worked with a number of government organisations, most recently as a regional manager with AusIndustry.

He had also worked with the University of NSW and the University of Western Sydney where he was a part-time lecturer in marketing principles, CSIRO and major telecommunications businesses Telstra, Optus and Cisco

In his most recent post on LinkedIn three weeks ago he reposted a message about R U OK? Day.

Mr Wagner often combined his love of fitness to help raise funds for good causes, most recently putting his hand up for the RFDS’ Ocean to Outback Challenge which he posted about on his Facebook page, raising $530.

In 2023 he participated in the PushUp challenge to raise mental health awareness.

Mr Wagner has been charged with causing poison etc to be taken with intention to murder (DV), using poison etc to endanger life (DV), and using poison etc to inflict grievous bodily harm (DV).

He was remanded in custody after appearing briefly via video-link in Campbelltown Local Court on Wednesday. He did not apply for bail.

Magistrate Clare Farnan issued an apprehended domestic violence order in place barring Mr Wagner from having any contact with his wife.

If you or someone you know is experiencing family violence, phone 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) or the Crisis Care Helpline on 1800 199 008.