Krystle Monks family reacts to murder charge, Ipswich community mourns loss

Family of Krystle Monks have reacted to the recent murder charges laid, as they joined the Ipswich community to remember the bubbly barista who would “always put smiles on everyone’s faces”.

Family and friends of Krystle Monks are ensuring the bubbly barista who “always put smiles on everyone’s faces” leaves a legacy of kindness.

The 19-year-old barista from Ipswich died in hospital last Sunday (February 5) after collapsing in a Bundamba home.

On Friday night, the Queensland police announced that Krystle’s boyfriend Michael Kurt Pringle had been charged with her murder.

Krystle’s sister Chantelle McNellee told The Queensland Times that “it’s good that it [the charge] ended up going forward”.

She said the charge would give the family some peace, at the very least.

Janette Monks and Chantelle McNellee, sisters of Krystle Monks. Picture: Nicola McNamara

The Bundamba community came together to remember Krystle at Alfred Seymour Park on Sunday, February 12.

Friends, family, and members of the community participated in a minute of silence for Krystle, and one of her close friends Madison Gill released balloons as part of the ceremony.

Ms Gill said it was amazing to see so many people come out to remember Krystle.

Friends of Krystle, Madison Gill and Sam Bailey. Picture: Nicola McNamara

She shared fond memories of Krystle’s “bubbly personality” and how she would “always put smiles on everyone’s faces”.

“It’s always going to be a shock to me for a very very long time,” she said.

The event was also attended by Allison Baden-Clay’s parents, whose daughter was killed by her husband Gerard Baden-Clay in 2012.

Allison’s parents Geoff and Priscilla Dickie said it was frightening to see similar allegations 11 years on from their daughter’s death, particularly as they now watch Allison’s three daughters grow into young women.

Event organiser Jacintah Mahoney with the parents of Allison Baden-Clay, Geoff and Priscilla Dickie, along with Krystle's friends Madison Gill and Sam Bailey. Picture: Nicola McNamara

Mr and Mrs Dickie started the Allison Baden-Clay Foundation to educate communities on the prevalence of domestic violence.

“It’s hard to change a culture, but you have to try,” Mrs Dickie said.

Mayor Teresa Harding thanked the community for showing their love and support to Krystle’s family, who she acknowledged had the “worst thing that could happen happen to them”.

“Krystle’s father has asked us to remember her by her legacy … and her legacy is: always young, forever beautiful, be kind,” Cr Harding said.

The Bundamba community held a gathering to remember Krystle at Alfred Seymour Park on Sunday, February 12. Picture: Nicola McNamara

Domestic Violence Action Centre CEO Amie Carrington said Krystle was the fourth woman allegedly killed by a male partner or family member in Australia this year.

“Today we gather in a ceremony that none of us want to be here for,” Ms Carrington said.

“It’s really important to the family that we are here – not only to remember the most tragic and violent reason why we’re here today, but also to remember the beautiful person that Krystle was and the beautiful legacy that should live on in our community.”

Domestic Violence Action Centre CEO Amie Carrington spoke about the prevalence of domestic violence in the community. Picture: Nicola McNamara

Ms Carrington told The Queensland Times one of the most important messages she wanted to share is that domestic violence touches everyone in the community.

“It’s a real purge on society, and obviously no one deserves this,” Ms Carrington said.

Ms Carrington urged anyone needing help to reach out.