Kristen Leslie Olsen’s murder charges mentioned in Maryborough

A double murder case could be delayed by up to six months because of the DNA backlog plaguing court matters across the state.

Kristen Olsen (left) has been charged with murder and arson after Biggenden baker Todd Mooney and his daughter Kirra were killed in a shed fire.

The DNA backlog plaguing court matters across Queensland could see a double murder case delayed by up to six months, a Fraser Coast court has heard.

Kristen Leslie Olsen, 24, is charged with the murder of Todd Mooney and his 10-year-old daughter Kirra as well as torching a shed on their Fenwicks Rd property on December 20, 2022.

Ms Olsen did not appear during the brief mention in Maryborough Magistrates Court on Tuesday, August 22, 2023.

During the mention, the court heard there had been discussions between Ms Olsen’s legal representative Bradford Hill and the prosecution in regard to “ongoing disclosure” in relation to the evidence.

The main impediment to progressing the matter was the DNA evidence, the court was told.

Police prosecutor Balam Selvadurai said the officer handling the matter had been liaising with the forensics unit every two weeks, with the earliest return date three months for the outstanding DNA evidence.

“The delay could be quite significant,” he said.

The chemical examination was also outstanding, but was expected by September 15.

The pathology report had been completed but had to go through a peer review process, Sergeant Selvadurai said. This was expected to be finished in about two weeks.

Detectives have charged Kristen Olsen, 24, with two counts of murder and one of arson.

Forensic statements and any materials should be completed in the next couple of months, he said, but that was pending the DNA outcome.

Magistrate John Milburn said he appreciated it was outside of the prosecutor’s control, but that it would mean the defendant “won’t have a committal proceeding until almost 18 months after the alleged event”.

Sgt Selvadurai said the arresting officer was liaising with the forensics to try to maintain pressure to get the DNA report.

“So we’re looking at potentially another six months,” he said.

“There’s been matters outside the control of the court and the prosecution in relation to that inquiry, however, that time frame is simply not acceptable,” Mr Hill said.

“I know that is easy for me to say, but we need to make some inquiries about what can be done.”

Earlier this year it was revealed that the forensic DNA laboratory was dealing with a significant backlog of cases caused by an Independent Commission of Inquiry into the state’s forensic testing.

Mr Milburn adjourned the matter until September 26.