Rene Latimore murder case could hear up to 54 witnesses

New information about the Rene Latimore murder trial has been revealed including that the case against her alleged killer could involve more than 50 witnesses.

The body of mother Rene Latimore was found on an Ilbilbie property about three weeks after she went missing.

Police are re-questioning some witnesses in the Rene Latimore murder case ahead of the trial against her alleged killer.

Mackay Supreme Court heard the trial could extend into three weeks with up to 54 witnesses listed so far, but crown prosecution said that number could increase.

Mum of one Ms Latimore was reported missing from the Koumala area on August 18, 2021 and police believe the 31 year old was last seen alive about one week earlier, on August 9.

Police allege she was killed that evening or early the following day.

Three weeks after she was last seen her body was found on August 30 at an Ilbilbie property now owned by Mackay Regional Councillor Marty Bella. There is no suggestion of wrongdoing on Mr Bella’s part.

Rene Latimore was seen at Sarina supermarket at the beginning of August, 2021. Picture: Queensland Police Media

About three months later, on November 26, 2021, the youth, then 17, was arrested and charged with murder.

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

The now young man has been on bail since his case was committed on April 30, 2024 on a downgraded charge of manslaughter.

However six months later crown prosecution indicted him on a murder charge.

Crown Prosecutor Tiffany Lawrence told Mackay Supreme Court on Tuesday there had been a “further requisition” issue to the arresting officer in the case who was in the process of completing it.

A youth is charged with her murder and the case is expected to go to trial in the second half of 2025.

The court heard the additional requisition involved “addendum statements”.

Ms Lawrence said the legal parties involved were aiming for a trial in the second half of the year with an estimate that it might go into a third week.

Ms Lawrence said there might be up to 54 witnesses, but the results of the further requisition “may well enlarge that”.

Justice David North told crown prosecution and defence to “rather urgently” contact his fellow Justice Graeme Crow, who would likely be presiding over the matter, of the desire to list a potential murder trial later in the year.

The court heard at this stage it was unknown if the youth’s lawyer would make any applications to exclude evidence.

Matters were adjourned for mention later this month.