Rene Latimore murder accused case in court for committal hearing

Media has been blocked from sitting in on a committal hearing for the teen charged over the murder of Rene Latimore. Read how it played out in court.

Koumala woman Rene Latimore was last seen at a home on Schirmer Road about 9am August 8, 2021. Picture: Queensland Police Media

Witnesses will be questioned in relation to the case against a teen charged with the murder of Rene Latimore, while media is blocked from sitting in on the committal hearing.

The boy was 17 when he was charged with the murder in November 2021 three months after she was last seen alive, but the case has met with significant delays linked to forensic testing.

The media argued to be present for the hearing citing the significant public interest in the matter.

It is understood he is now 19 or 20.

Ms Latimore, 31, was reported missing from the Koumala area on August 18, 2021.

Rene Latimore, 31, was found dead on a property at Ilbilbie on Sunday, August 29, 2021. Picture: Daryl Wright

Police believe the mum of one was last seen alive about one week earlier on August 9 and that she was allegedly murdered that evening or early morning the following day.

On Sunday, August 30 her body was found at an Ilbilbie property now owned by Mackay Regional Councillor Marty Bella, who it is understood will be called as part of the committal proceedings.

There is no suggestion of wrongdoing on Mr Bella’s part.

It is understood police found her body was found with multiple physical restraints including cable ties.

Since the teen’s arrest the matter has remained in the Mackay Children’s Court.

It is understood he and Ms Latimore were known to each other.

Charges such as murder must be finalised in the supreme court and as such during a committal hearing a magistrate may have to decide if there is enough evidence on which a jury could convict in that higher court jurisdiction.

Ms Latimore was reported missing from the Koumala area on August 18, 2021. Picture: Katie Marchetti

Media applied to be present for the committal hearing, during which it is understood a number of witnesses will be questioned by the teen’s barrister Scott Moon.

Under law, the childrens court at this level is closed but there is a discretion to allow media to be present if the magistrate is of the opinion it would not be prejudicial to the interests of the child.

However, any report cannot include any identifying information about the accused child even though he is now an adult.

This publication submitted there was considerable public interest in the matter and pushed for the principles of open justice citing the media was aware of the identification restrictions contained within the Youth Justice Act.

However Magistrate Damien Dwyer denied the application stating he was not satisfied it would not be prejudicial to the interests of the child.