Evidence gathered in case of murder
A 33-YEAR-OLD man charged with the murder of Crows Nest woman Krishna Chopra has had his case mentioned in court as the defence and the prosecution wait for further material.
Simon Jones was not required to be in the Toowoomba Magistrates Court on Thursday, but was represented by his solicitor Nathan Bouchier of Bouchier Khan Lawyers.
Mr Bouchier told the court the defence had obtained 39 witness statements from the prosecution since the last mention on September 29, but they were still awaiting further statements, including those from investigators and forensic officers.
Numerous statements were being withheld by the prosecution on public interest grounds, however would become available to the defence within the next week or two.
“(There is) still outstanding forensics, including DNA analysis, and I understand those are still further away,” Mr Bouchier said.
Mr Bouchier said he understood the investigation was ongoing, with evidence being obtained and looked into continually.
Mr Jones has been held in custody since his arrest in March on a charge of murder, arising from the death of his mother-in-law Krishna Chopra who was found dead in her Park Road home in Crows Nest in January.
On Wednesday, October 19, police announced a $500,000 reward would be offered to anyone able to provide further information on other people allegedly involved with the woman’s death. Police believe she may have been killed around January 21, about 10 days before her body was found.
Preliminary autopsy results pointed to Ms Chopra having died from severe head trauma, police claim.
Mr Jones has not as yet been called upon to enter any plea to the charge.
Magistrate Kay Philipson remanded him in custody and adjourned the case for mention back in the same court on December 16.