Named: Innisfail man Floyd Tomarra charged with murder after fatal stabbing

Police have revealed a string of new charges laid against the man charged with the domestic violence murder of his partner in Far North Queensland.

The scene at Scullen Ave on Friday afternoon. Picture: 9News

Police have revealed a string of new charges laid against the man charged with the domestic violence murder of his partner at Innisfail on Friday.

On July 1, Floyd Leo Tomarra was charged with two counts of unlawful entry of a vehicle for committing indictable offence used/threatened violence, and one count each of wilful damage and dangerous operation of a vehicle.

The fresh charges were mentioned in Cairns Magistrates Court on July 2.

The court heard a brief of evidence was due by November 1.

The summary charges were transferred with the murder charge to a committal callover hearing on November 15.

Mr Tomarra did not appear in court and his appearance is not required on Noember 15.

During Monday’s appearance the court was told Mr Tomarra, 51, remained in Cairns Hospital, having sustained injuries when he crashed into a truck on the Bruce Highway following an effort to avoid arrest.

On Tuesday the court was told he was in custody.

The court heard he would be represented by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service.

Police allege Mr Tomarra stabbed the woman in the lower abdomen at a Mighell property around 4.14pm on Friday.

Neighbours said the woman, aged in her 50s, struggled along the street seeking help from people living at a nearby house on Spina St after the incident on Scullen Ave.

The Scullen Ave address was taped off with evidence markers identifying points of interest on the driveway and leading into the house and backyard after a woman was allegedly stabbed to death on Friday. Picture: Peter Carruthers

However she could not be saved and was pronounced dead at the scene.

“The poor lady that passed away, she passed away in my driveway,” a resident of Scullen Ave said.

The Bruce Highway at Sandy Pocket was closed in both directions while police searched the area.

About 5pm police began a manhunt and issued an alert warning drivers to not slow down for anyone who tried to approach their cars and to keep their windows up and cars locked.

Just after 6pm Mr Tomarra was arrested after police allege he fled into surrounding bushland near the scene of the accident.

A car crashed into a truck, closing the Bruce Hwy following a violent stabbing at Innisfail on Friday afternoon. Picture: Dan Con Goo (Facebook)

A woman has died after being stabbed at an Innisfail house. A short time later, a vehicle has crashed into this truck on the Bruce Highway at Sandy Pocket. Picture: 9News

He was initially taken to Innisfail hospital to be treated for non-life threatening injuries and was later transferred to Cairns Hospital.

Mr Tomarra was charged with one count of murder with police on Friday indicating further charges were likely to follow.

Detective Acting Inspector Alina Bell said the pair were believed to be in a de facto relationship.
“The man is previously believed to have lived at the address but not currently,” she said.

Ms Bell commended the efforts of witnesses who provided first aid to the woman.

“All attempts were made to revive the woman at the scene but unfortunately this was unsuccessful,” she said.

Crime scene markers inside the garage of the Scullen Ave address. Picture: Peter Carruthers

“Any event where someone loses their life is a tragic situation and there are a number of support services available for people involved and the broader community.

“If you know anyone impacted by domestic family violence we encourage you to report it to police and seek support services.”

On Saturday morning police officers were guarding a crime scene on Scullen Ave.

Marquees had been set up in the driveway and evidence markers had been placed in the garage and entrance to the house.

Earlier, residents of the quiet neighbourhood said they have been left stunned by the attack on their doorstep.

Scullen Ave resident Lance Sulter was taken aback by the events of Friday night.

“It is a quiet place to live, you don’t get hoons and you don’t get riff raff,” he said.

“Honestly, all the kids play here and I put a basketball hoop out the front.”

The cordoned off house on Scullen Ave remained an active crime scene on Saturday morning. Picture: Peter Carruthers

Another nearby resident who asked not to be named said the loss of life was a tragedy.

She said the alleged victim was a mother.

“It’s tragic,” she said.

“I heard the sirens and thought it must be over in Jones St, it’s such a quiet area, like a retirement area or everyone works.

“We were all shocked.”

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Originally published as Named: Innisfail man Floyd Tomarra charged with murder after fatal stabbing