Pathology delay in case of murder accused Cody Shaw, Brandon Whaite

The wait for a ‘report’ into the alleged bashing murder of a Mary Valley businessman outside a Gympie pub has forced the matter to be delayed again. Read the latest details:

Cody James Shaw, 22, and Brandon Steven Charles Whaite, 25, were each charged with murder over the alleged bashing death of William James Howlett (inset) outside the Queenslander Hotel on Mary St in the early hours of Sunday, November 19, 2023.

An ongoing wait for a pathology report into the alleged bashing murder of a Mary Valley businessman outside a Gympie pub has forced the matter to be delayed until only days before Christmas.

Cody James Shaw, 22, and Brandon Steven Charles Whaite, 25, were each charged with murder over the alleged bashing death of 41-year-old William James Howlett outside the Queenslander Hotel in the main street of Gympie in the early hours of Sunday, November 19, 2023.

Mr Howlett died after falling and hitting his head on the ground during the alleged assault.

Witnesses performed CPR while waiting for paramedics.

He was then flown to the Sunshine Coast University Hospital with critical injuries but subsequently died.

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Mary Valley businessman William Howlett died after falling and hitting his head on the ground during the alleged assault.

Mr Shaw and Mr Whaite have each been charged with one count of murder over Mr Howlett’s death.

Mr Whaite is also facing charges of possessing dangerous drugs in excess of a schedule 3 of the Drugs Misuse Regulations.

No pleas have been entered.

Mr Shaw and Mr Whaite did not appear in person as their matter returned to the magistrates court for mention.

Police prosecutor Mel Campbell said she was still waiting on a pathologist report into the alleged murder.

There was no clear indication when it would be finalised.

“I still don’t have an estimate,” Sgt Campbell said.

She told the court the defence teams for the two men had been given a brief of evidence, which included external hard drives.

Defence lawyer George Travis, representing Mr Shaw and appearing by phone, told the court he intended to seek his own forensic pathology report on the matter.

The matter was adjourned until December 16, and Mr Shaw and Mr Whaite were remanded in custody with their appearances at the next mention excused.