Long wait for answers over stab deaths Inquest delayed due to COVID-19
tual emergency town hall meeting last night where a facilitated discussion between educators, parents, an economist, and industry representatives and advocates spoke on the need for reform.
Mr Weatherill said “snapping back” to the old system was no longer an option but
AN inquest into a double death that sent shockwaves through a North Queensland town has been put in limbo, with the Northern Coroner’s office revealing the hearing date may be pushed back even further.
The news comes more than 18 months after Corey Christensen, 37, and Tom Davy, 27, were stabbed to death after they entered an Alva Beach home looking for Mr Davy’s new girlfriend, Candice Locke.
Police allege that shortly after midnight on October 1, 2018, the men entered the home searching for Ms Locke, who had sought refuge in the family home of Dean Webber after leaving an annual NRL grand final gathering.
At some point while inside the property, the two men were fatally stabbed by Mr Webber, 19.
Mr Webber, who was only there to check on his family’s holiday property after a stolen car involved in a police ramming was seen in the area, was later released without charge as police believe he was acting in self-defence.
There is no suggestion he will be charged.
Mr Davy’s family told the Townsville Bulletin they were broken on the anniversary of his death last year.
They described him as a “remarkable, much-loved” and brother.
Ms Locke, who was reportedly inconsolable and deeply distressed after the ordeal, injured her shoulder in a quad bike crash prior to the deaths.
Mr Webber was also distraught and a “psychological mess”, repeatedly breaking down in tears during a walkthrough interview with detectives at the house.
The Northern Coroner revealed in February it was finalising the preliminary and inquest hearing dates.
A hearing date was expected to be set for later this year, but the Northern Coroner’s office has revealed COVID-19 son restrictions have created large delays, with the potential of a 2021 listing date.
“There is no guarantee that this inquest will proceed in 2020 as the dates for all scheduled inquests will be revised when Queensland Courts implement new hearing protocols,” a spokesman said.
“The inquest schedule for the year to date will be completely revised and may result in a 2021 listing.
“The families of each of the deceased have been kept up to date with this information and will be informed as soon as a date for the preliminary and inquest hearing has been determined.”