Beever dies before facing murder trial
MURDER charges against an elderly man accused of murdering his wife have been officially dropped following his death.
Maxwell Beever, 83, was accused of killing his wife Robyn Beever in their Varsity Lakes home on February 25 last year.
The Bulletin revealed on Monday that Max Beever had died. It was alleged Beever murdered Mrs Beever with a belt or pair of jeans. An axe was also allegedly found at the scene.
Police had also alleged Mrs Beever was dragged from the bedroom of the home and found in the garage near the back of a car.
Her husband was charged with murder, accused of killing Mrs Beever as early as 6pm on Wednesday, February 24.
Police prosecutor Senior Sergeant Nicole Jackson told the court on Tuesday Beever had died on July 8. She asked for the charges to be dismissed.
Magistrate Veena Goverdhan ordered the charges be dismissed.
Beever had been in hospital since Mrs Beever’s death due to a number of medical issues, including Parkinson’s disease.
In February last year the couple’s children released a statement through Beever’s lawyer Jonathan Nyst saying he had their “unwavering support”.
They said their parents were “devoted to each other”, having met more than 60 years ago.
“… their greatest concern now is for their aged father, who is not in good health, and has not been for a number of years,” the statement said.
“He has their unwavering love and support, and they are fully committed to his welfare.”
Beever is understood to have been diagnosed with dementia.
He has been under prison guard in hospital while he waited for court proceedings to get underway.
Prisoners with acute health needs are usually transferred to hospital where they stay under guard while being treated.
In December last year the matter was referred to the Mental Health Court to determine if Beever was fit to stand trial.