The Gold Coast Bulletin

Murder case delays

Accused could face additional charges over comedian’s death

-

A YOUNG man charged with the rape and murder of 22year-old Melbourne comedian Eurydice Dixon could face additional charges when more evidence becomes available.

Ms Dixon’s body was found on the Princes Park field at Carlton North by a passer-by about 3am on June 13.

She was killed on her way home from performing a comedy gig at Melbourne’s Highlander Bar the night before. Jaymes Todd, of Broadmeado­ws, subsequent­ly handed himself in to police.

The 19-year-old was still and quiet when he appeared via video link during a contest mention hearing at Melbourne Magistrate­s Court yesterday.

Prosecutor Christina Teague sought an adjournmen­t due to delays in the Crown receiving a pathologis­t’s report and a statement from a biologist about DNA evidence.

Ms Teague said because “the extent of the assault” was unknown, additional charges could potentiall­y be laid.

She said the pathologis­t was “overworked and apologetic”, but had staffing issues and might not be able to supply a report until next year.

Ms Teague said the DNA evidence was expected by the end of October. But magistrate Suzanne Cameron said it had been nearly 16 weeks since Ms Dixon’s death, and the material should be expedited. She described the delay as “unsatisfac­tory”.

“The period of adjournmen­t will not be lengthy,” she said.

The court was told the matter was likely to proceed to a committal hearing. Ms Cameron directed both the pathologis­t’s report and the biologist’s DNA statement be returned to the court by October 12.

During his previous appearance in court Todd’s lawyer said it was his first time in custody and stressed his vulnerabil­ity due to his youth and diagnosis of autism. Todd is due to return to court via video link on October 22.

LIFELINE 13 11 14, BEYONDBLUE 1300 22 4636

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from Australia