A 29 year old man from North Brisbane has had his charge upgraded to murder following an alleged domestic and family violence (DFV) assault on 17 August 2024. The incident resulted in the death of a 61 year old woman, who was known to the accused.

Incident Details

The Queensland Police allege that the altercation took place inside a home in Upper Kedron, shortly before 5:45am on 17 August 2024. The woman sustained critical head injuries during the altercation and was rushed to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital in a critical condition. Despite receiving urgent medical care, she succumbed to her injuries and passed away on 26 August 2024.

Initially, the man was charged with one count of grievous bodily harm under domestic violence provisions. However, following an extensive investigation by the Ferny Grove Criminal Investigation Branch and their DFV team, the charge was upgraded to one count of murder on 19 October 2024. The man was to appear for Mention in Brisbane Magistrates Court on 25 October 2024.

Raising Awareness on Domestic and Family Violence

This case sheds light on the critical issue of domestic and family violence. The Queensland Police Service (QPS) has used this opportunity to emphasise the importance of understanding what constitutes a healthy relationship and the signs of abuse. A healthy relationship, according to the QPS, is built on trust, support, and safety, without fear or intimidation from a partner or family member.

Legal Implications

This case highlights the serious legal consequences of domestic violence offences in Queensland. Under the Criminal Code Act 1899 (Qld), murder carries amongst the highest penalties, and the decision to upgrade the charge indicates the severity of the injuries sustained and the outcome of the incident.

Murder charges, particularly when linked to domestic violence, involve complex legal arguments concerning intent, causation, and aggravating factors. In Queensland, a conviction for murder usually carries a life sentence, demonstrating the gravity of the case for the accused.

Our team specialise in criminal law. Our role is to sit down with you and work out the strategy that will get you the best possible result. If you are charged with a drug offence, we recommend you obtain legal advice immediately. If you have any questions about this article or any other topic of law, please call our team of experts on 1300 066 669.