Steven Dean Michael Walker-Ely in court over Birdsall Fa'apepele murder

Donning black shirts with white angel wings, a rugby league player’s loved ones packed the front rows of the courtroom only to be told there would be long delays in the murder case against his alleged attacker.

Donning black shirts with white angel wings, Birdsall Fa’apepele’s loved ones packed the front rows of Mackay Magistrates Court.

Fa’apepele, a much-loved Magpies rugby league player, died in an alleged stabbing attack at a Paget caravan park in December last year.

Steven Dean Michael Walker-Ely, 33, was accused of Birdsall Fa’apepele’s murder and appeared via videolink for the second time in Mackay Magistrates Court February 8 2022. Picture: Facebook

Steven Dean Michael Walker-Ely, 33, is accused of Mr Fa’apepele’s murder and appeared via videolink for the second time in Mackay Magistrates Court February 8 2022.

Police prosecutor David Epstein said the matter was unlikely to progress for another eight months as police awaited medical and forensic reports.

Birdsall Fa’apepele was allegedly stabbed in the head and abdomen at The Park caravan park at the corner of Broadsound Rd and Farrellys Rd in Paget in Mackay about 3am on Tuesday, December 14, 2021. Picture: Facebook

In particular, Mr Epstein said Telstra records, police statements, toxicology reports and an examination of a laptop were being sought.

Despite the expected eight-month wait for evidence, Mr Walker-Ely’s lawyer Sean Gibbs asked the court if his client’s matter could be mentioned in early April after the Telstra records were expected to be attained.

Steven Dean Michael Walker-Ely was charged with allegedly murdering Birdsall Fa’apepele in Paget on Tuesday, December 14, 2021. Picture: Facebook

Mr Gibbs said he wanted to ensure the phone records were received and whether they could affect future proceedings.

Magistrate Damien Dwyer listed Mr Walker-Ely’s matter to be mentioned again on April 5, 2022.