Lizard man’s chilling final words
DETAILS of killer Bronson ‘Lizard Man’ Ellery’s final moments after he murdered his ex-partner on the Gold Coast have been revealed during his best mate’s sentencing hearing.
The Brisbane Supreme Court yesterday heard Michael Ryan Warburton arrived to Ellery’s Southport apartment to find the Lizard Man’s ex-partner, Shelsea Schilling, laying in a pool of blood on the night of the murder-suicide in 2016.
Warburton was yesterday sentenced to two years jail, which was wholly suspended, after pleading guilty to giving his brother’s name when arrested by police and possessing drugs.
Defence barrister James McNab, instructed by Howden Saggers Lawyers, told the court Warburton had given the fake name weeks after his close friend killed his ex-girlfriend Shelsea Schilling and took his own life.
“In November 2016, there was a very tragic and unusual event,” Mr McNab said.
The court heard Ellery contacted Warburton the night of the horrific killing, asking Warburton to come over.
“Mr Warburton attended the residence and opened the door and saw Mr Ellery’s partner was in a pool of blood,” Mr McNab said.
“Mr Ellery was inconsolable.”
The court heard Warburton held his best mate for an hour before he told him “I promised her I would go with her” before committing suicide.
Mr Ellery – the man described as the Lizard Man because of his distinctive tattoos – then injected himself with hot-shot of drugs and passed away in front of Warburton, who the court heard he saw virtually everyday.
“There was nothing whatsoever Mr Warburton could have done,” Mr McNab said. “This has haunted him.” The court heard the 27year-old was now “in a good spot”.
Warburton will be on probation for the next three years after pleading guilty to a spate of summary offences including contravening a direction of police and driving without a licence.