Alexandra Hills: Juvenile charged with murder slapped with more offences, won’t be charged over unborn baby

A teenager charged with two counts of murder over the death of a pregnant couple in Alexandra Hills will not face a third for their unborn son Miles.

The 17-year-old allegedly behind the wheel of a Land Cruiser that struck and killed a pregnant couple walking their dogs has been slapped with seven more offences, as police allege he was intoxicated at the time of the tragic crash.

But the youth offender won’t face a specific charge for potentially causing the death of the couple’s unborn child, who the family recently revealed was a boy, to be named Miles.

The teen was already facing two counts of murder, burglary, dangerous operation of a vehicle and attempted unlawful use of a car.

On Tuesday, Queensland Police added charges including driving while intoxicated, two counts of leaving the scene of a traffic accident, and driving with a disqualified license.

RELATED: 400 kids behind half of Qld youth crimes

The teen was allegedly pictured fleeing the scene. Picture: Twitter @JohnpaulGonzo, 10 News

Kate Leadbetter, 31, and partner Matty Field, 37, were walking their dogs on Australia Day when they were tragically killed by an allegedly stolen car around the corner from their home in Alexandra Hills.

The horrific incident both devastated and infuriated the nation, with many questioning how an innocent couple and blossoming family could be struck down, allegedly by a minor reportedly on bail for multiple dangerous driving offences.

Police indicated at the time of the initial investigation it would be pursuing charges related to the death of the unborn child, but Assistant Commissioner Brian Codd said on Tuesday legal experts had advised authorities the killing of an unborn child is not available under the provisions of the criminal code.

“The death of unborn baby Miles will be presented as an aggravating element of the murder charge relating to death of his mother Kate,” Assistant Commissioner Codd said.

“This advice has been provided to the families and we will continue to support and engage with them throughout our investigation and subsequent court proceedings.”

The new charges were announced about an hour after Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk revealed a raft of new youth crime penalties for repeat offenders in response to the death of Kate and Matt.

“It is absolutely heartbreaking and I know every Queensland family out there feels for the tragic loss of these people,” she said on Tuesday of the couple’s death.

“Families have been shattered and lives have been lost. And that is why today we are taking very strong action.”

The teen is next due to face the Brisbane Children’s Court on February 15.

Originally published as Alexandra Hills: Juvenile charged with murder slapped with more offences, won’t be charged over unborn baby