Court: Connor Bulluss, 25, accused of murdering Tweed Heads woman Donna Baraket

A woman discovered dead in her Tweed home was a “saviour” to her accused killer, those closest to her say. It comes as the man alleged to be responsible has fronted court for the first time.

Forensic police at the scene of the alleged Tweed Heads murder. Picture: Adam Head

A woman aged in her 60s discovered dead in her home at Tweed on Wednesday was a “saviour” to her accused killer, those closest to her say.

Connor Bulluss, 25, made his first appearance at Tweed Heads Local Court on Friday.

He has been charged with the alleged February 7 murder of Tweed woman Donna Baraket in her Lakes Dr home.

Ms Baraket’s body was found at the property at 5.50pm on Wednesday, after police received a concern for welfare report.

Police allege Bulluss murdered Ms Baraket between 4.20 and 5.20pm, according to court documents.

Donna Baraket from the Tweed was found dead in her Lakes Dr home on Wednesday night. Picture: Facebook

Bulluss was later found at the West Tweed Chempro on nearby Kennedy Dr by police and ambulance services – “sitting in a gutter with blood on his hands”.

He was taken to Tweed Heads Hospital before being discharged and charged with murder (domestic violence) at Tweed Heads Police Station.

On Thursday morning, he returned to hospital and underwent surgery with general anaesthetic for wounds to his hand.

Duty solicitor Carl Edwards told the court on Thursday that Bulluss was unable to make a bail application given his condition. Mr Edwards said no legal interview had taken place.

On Friday, Bulluss appeared remanded in custody, wearing a green sweatshirt and handcuffs. His hand was heavily bandaged and he was sporting a mullet haircut.

Bulluss looked solemn as the case was briefly mentioned.

Tweed murder accused Connor Bulluss faced court on Friday. Picture: Facebook

No bail application was made. Bulluss will remain in custody until his next appearance on March 15. A brief from the defence will need to be prepared.

In the court, a number of Ms Baraket’s friends watched on. Bulluss’ sister and brother in law were also in attendance.

Phillip Schloss, 58, said outside court he had known Ms Baraket for close to 15 years. He said she was a “saviour” who helped Bulluss and others in need.

“ ... he (Bulluss) kind of unofficially became Donna’s tenant,” Mr Schloss claimed.

“She was the type of lady who would give people the shirt off her back. She did have issues (with addiction) but don’t we all?”

Police at the Lakes Dr home. Picture: Adam Head

Bulluss lived at the Lakes Dr property for about three months, neighbours believe.

Mr Schoss said Ms Baraket’s death was “tragic” and he wept during proceedings.

Another friend, David Anderson, said he knew many people in Tweed who were either homeless or battling addiction, and that he and his wife had “regular contact” with Ms Baraket.

“Donna would often be seen at Fred’s Place, a homeless and drug and alcohol safe house at Tweed,” he said.

“She had a lovely little dog named Shakespeare and was always very lovely to talk to.”

Mr Anderson described Ms Baraket as “upbeat, happy go lucky and outgoing”.

Homelessness support charity Agape Outreach Inc took to social media on Thursday to leave a tribute for Ms Baraket, writing “we and other charities are grieving tonight”.

“Donna was a regular at our centre and her life was taken from her last night. Words cannot express how horrible this is. Rest in peace Donna,” the organisation wrote.

One Tweed local, Mahli Groth wrote: “Spent some time with Donna she was messed up but had a good heart.”

“This is so sad.”

Originally published as Court: Connor Bulluss, 25, accused of murdering Tweed Heads woman Donna Baraket