NewsBite

Video

Kristen Olsen, 24, charged with murders of Todd and Kirra Mooney

A 24-year-old travel blogger charged over the murders of a baker and his daughter will remain in custody. It comes as bizarre details are revealed and police divers search nearby springs.

Young 'gypsy' turned alleged firebug charged with double murder of baker, daughter

A 24-year-old travel blogger and OnlyFans creator, police allege lit the blaze which destroyed the shed where the bodies of the dad and daughter were discovered, faced court on Saturday.

Kristen Leslie Olsen is charged with the murder of Biggenden baker Todd Mooney and his 10-year-old daughter Kirra as well as the arson of a shed on their Fenwick’s road property.

The charges were read out in Maroochydore Magistrates Court, where Olsen appeared briefly via phone link.

No application for bail was made and she was remanded until Monday when she is expected to appear in Maryborough Magistrates Court.

Kristen Olsen is charged with two counts of murder and one of arson.
Kristen Olsen is charged with two counts of murder and one of arson.

Police investigating the deaths have not yet revealed the events they allege took place in the lead up to the fire.

The senior detective overseeing the investigation and major searches for evidence across the property, Isis Highway and nearby Ban Ban Springs, says there’s still a “hell of a lot of work” to be done.

Speaking to reporters about the “numerous searches”, Detective Chief Inspector Gary Pettiford said “items of interest” had been found but he could not reveal further details.

The fire was first thought to be the result of a tragic accident but police have since alleged forensic examinations revealed the December 20 fire had been deliberately lit.

Biggenden SES and police search around the property and highway near the Fenwicks Road property where the fire occurred. Photo Paul Beutel.
Biggenden SES and police search around the property and highway near the Fenwicks Road property where the fire occurred. Photo Paul Beutel.

Police had released CCTV footage of three people they wanted to speak to and a car of interest and on Friday, it was confirmed Ms Olsen had been arrested and charged.

Det Insp Pettiford confirmed Ms Olsen was the only person of interest “at this stage” and that there was no indication she had known the Mooney family.

He said the three people police had appealed to had come forward and provided a “version of events” which helped detectives establish a timeline.

Asked about an alleged motive, Det Insp Pettiford said, “I can’t comment on a lot of things due to the nature of the investigation”.

It’s understood Ms Olsen grew up in the Wide Bay Burnett but had been living in Cairns for some time before travelling back to her home region in December.

Kirra Mooney and Todd Mooney died in a shed fire on their Biggenden property on December 20.
Kirra Mooney and Todd Mooney died in a shed fire on their Biggenden property on December 20.

Her social media accounts paint a picture of a heavily tattooed travel blogger who had lived across Queensland from the Fraser Coast to Cairns and lists Daydream Island Resort in the Whitsundays as her most recent employer.

In a series of colourful online posts, which range from crass to cosmic, Ms Olsen describes the land “as the ultimate sustainable lifeforce”, expresses concern for dying bee populations, writes about the full moon and makes regular references to grief and losing her brother.

A video reel, posted on her Facebook profile, welcomes those watching to her “Barefoot Bullsh** Adventure” and links to a profile on adults-only subscription site Only Fans under the name Slipperygypsy. 69.

Kristen Olsen posted about her travels on social media. Picture Facebook
Kristen Olsen posted about her travels on social media. Picture Facebook

In the post, she writes that “these two foot falcons have led me to the heart of Far North Queensland … a town surrounded by jungle … where I am able to be myself”.

It goes on to say she walks around town picking up the “harmful litters” and invites followers to “come for a venture through the village and surrounds as we explore the magics on offer”.

These “magics” are said to include Aboriginal song, dance and different cultures and cuisines.

The Only Fans page appears to have since been deleted.

Kristen Olsen at Magnetic Island.
Kristen Olsen at Magnetic Island.

Videos posted on her Facebook page show Ms Olsen sporting a partially shaved head, appearing to go through breathing exercises, posing playfully with a kitten in a mirror and writing the words World Peace into the sand on a beach.

According to the profile, Ms Olsen also previously worked at the Maryborough Sports Club and a registered training organisation and in Biggenden, worked at the Commercial Hotel and Foodworks.

The community at Biggenden, about an hour’s drive west of Maryborough, has rallied around Bec Hansen, the mother of Kirra and co-owner of the bakery who was set to marry Mr Mooney the same week he died.

Det Insp Pettiford said while there was “some relief” for Ms Hansen, her remaining children and Mr Mooney’s family that an arrest had been made, the deaths were “devastating and something they will never get over”.

He described Biggenden as a “beautiful little country town with really law-abiding, community minded citizens who have certainly helped us with our inquiries … the officers who have been out there labouring and the family of the deceased”.

Original URL: https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/fraser-coast/kristen-olsen-24-charged-with-murders-of-todd-and-kirra-mooney/news-story/4d66621ec50c2fc9f0586d5b972e7a27