Western Downs murder investigation continues, ‘neighbourhood dispute’ at centre of the Miles man’s death

Police will allege a “neighbourhood dispute” is at the centre of an incident which resulted in the death of a man in southwest Queensland. It comes as the man charged with murder fronts court for the first time.

Miles man Dale Joram Edward Hamilton has been charged with murder, following the death of Jonathan Martin in what police have called an alleged “neighbourhood dispute”.

Mr Hamilton’s matter was briefly mentioned in Toowoomba Magistrates Court on Monday, after officers charged him over the weekend.

He was not required to appear in court and remained in the watch house while duty lawyer Ryan McCullough of MacDonald Law sought an adjournment.

Mr McCullough said there would be no application for bail and a full brief of evidence would be sought from police.

Mr Martin was found with injuries to the chest on the night of Tuesday, March 21 at a residential address in Miles.

Authorities on Monday shared more details on what they alleged transpired the night Mr Martin died.

Detective chief inspector Garry Watts said a “ongoing neighbourhood dispute” was at the core of the incident.

An investigation is underway surrounding the suspicious death of 44-year-old Miles man Jonathan Martin on Tuesday March 21.

Inspector Watts said Mr Martin and a friend went to a Hawkins St address in Miles, before an “altercation” broke out and the 44-year-old was subsequently injured.

“It would appear it developed out of an ongoing neighbourhood dispute,” Inspector Watts said.

“He suffered from a chest injury.

“First aid was performed by QAS but he passed away at Miles Hospital.”

Chief Inspector Detective Garry Watts held a press conference at Dalby police station in relation to the murder of Miles man, Jonathan Martin. Picture: Emily Devon

The Inspector would not confirm if the chest injuries Mr Martin sustained caused his death.

He said someone who lived at the address had called emergency services following the “disturbance” that developed.

Mr Hamilton was arrested on Saturday.

Magistrate Kay Phillipson remanded Mr Hamilton in custody and directed a full brief of evidence be disclosed by May 5.

She adjourned the matter to May 29 for committal mention back in the same court.