Toowoomba stabbing victim bashed with hammer: court

A GROUP stormed a Toowoomba unit armed with a hammer, golf clubs, metal poles and knives before a woman was killed, a court has been told.

• Outbursts in court
• Revenge attack theory
• Police probe motive

A RELATIVE described by police as a “central participant” in the death of a Toowoomba mother has admitted hitting her with a hammer amid a possible family revenge plot, a court has heard.

Chaotic scenes erupted yesterday as the nine people charged over the death of Debbie Combarngo, 37, faced court.

The court was told the group stormed a Wilsonton unit on Sunday armed with a hammer, golf clubs, metal poles and knives before being arrested in the car park of a Hungry Jack’s across the street.

Christine Maree Hall’s bail application was refused after the court heard she told police she struck Ms Combarngo, who was stabbed in the chest on Sunday and died in hospital, with a hammer.

The attack was allegedly witnessed by Ms Combarngo’s daughter Claudia and another housemate who gave statements to police.

The victim’s uncle Micheal Combarngo leaves court yesterday.

“(Hall) is a central participant in a violent home invasion. The case against her is strong,” Acting Magistrate Robert Walker said.

“Actual custody would almost inevitably be served (if she is found guilty).”

There were outbursts in court as Hall was denied bail, while family members of Ms Combargno sobbed and groaned as details of the violence were read out.

Hall is charged with assault occasioning bodily harm whilst armed and enter dwelling with intent.

Fellow extended family members Rhonda Ann Hall, Ty Peter Fing, Ashley Aaron Fing, Rhianna Jade Fing, Jana Leigh Hall, Shiralee Fernando and Joshua James Lingwoodock were all charged with the same offences.

All remain behind bars. Jana and Rhianna Hall will have their bail applications continued in court today.

The rest of the group did not apply for bail and will face court again on July 5.

In the packed courthouse, family members of the accused broke down as they saw their loved ones hauled before the magistrate.

Mikey Hall’s funeral service in Toowoomba

After she was remanded, Christine Hall yelled, “Where’s my babies?”

Several relatives leant over the seats in front of them and shouted support back at her, causing magistrate Robert Walker to adjourn the court.

Mr Walker later issued those family members with a warning.

Police are investigating whether Ms Combargno’s death was part of a revenge plot.

It follows extended family member Mikey Hall’s unexpected death last month.

There is no evidence linking Ms Combargno to Mr Hall’s death.

Mr Hall was farewelled at a funeral service in Toowoomba yesterday, where a relative said “God only knows” why he died.

After the service a Courier-Mail photographer was confronted by a man during emotionally charged scenes.

Three carloads of Debbie’s family members waited outside the Toowoomba Magistrates Court, in scenes that put security on edge.

Court security will be on hand again today as the case continues.