Murder trial jurors to visit site where missing man last seen

CAIRNS’ top judge has approved for 14 jurors to be sent to a remote alleged murder scene during the July trial of a Cape York couple accused of killing a gold prospector.

The Cairns Supreme Court heard yesterday the trial of Palmerville Station owners Stephen Struber and Dianne Wilson-Struber could last for up to three weeks when it begins on July 13.

Crown prosecutor Nigel Rees said they had culled the witness list to 71 and were trying to make further cuts.

Mr Struber has pleaded not guilty to murdering Mareeba man Bruce Schuler, while Mrs Wilson-Struber has not entered a plea.

Mr Schuler’s body has never been found.

Mr Rees told the court the first three people to take the witness stand would be the three men who had been prospecting with Mr Schuler.

Both Mr Rees and defence barrister Josh Trevino put forward a joint application to Justice Jim Henry yesterday to have the jury visit the Palmerville site in the opening week of the trial.

The court heard they would stay two nights at Cooktown, making a day trip to the remote station on Wednesday, July 15, to spend several hours looking at the area where Mr Schuler was last seen.

Mr Rees said it was “vital” the jury see the area themselves, which consisted of a ravine and two ridges.

“The photos do not do the scene justice,” he said.

“It is vital the jury is given the ability to see where the camp was to see where the alleged offence occurred.”

The court bailiff and one other law enforcement officer are expected to make the trip, along with the prosecution and defence teams.

Mr Henry said he would also consider going, but has asked for photo and video evidence to be submitted so he can decide whether that would give him an adequate picture.

He said it was important the comfort of the jurors was taken into account during the trip and said Cooktown was a better alternative to stay at than Laura, as initially proposed.

“One can stay there (in Laura), but it might not be what the jury might expect in terms of accommodation,” Mr Henry said.

“They’re not a road gang.”