Teen charged with attempted murder of Kaitlin Jones at Mackay beach
The case against a teen accused over the stabbing of a sunbather has been listed for trial, but his legal team are hoping to negotiate the attempted murder charge.
Police & Courts
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A teen charged over an horrific stabbing of a lone sunbather at a secluded Mackay beach is set to see a specialist psychologist as his legal team prepares to negotiate the attempted murder charge.
The incident on September 13, 2021 sent shockwaves throughout the Mackay community and across the state.
Kaitlin Jones, then 24, had been sunbathing when a stranger approached her before allegedly stabbing her multiple times in the head, neck and body with a knife.
A 16-year-old boy was initially charged with acts intended to cause grievous bodily harm.
However, in November 2022, a formal indictment was presented against the teen, now 17, for one count of attempted murder, or one count of acts intended to cause grievous bodily harm in the alternative.
Mackay Supreme Court on Tuesday heard the teen was scheduled to meet with a neuropsychologist in early March.
“Counsel is briefed in the matter, they’re of the view that the report is required prior to sending a submission,” the teen’s legal representative told the court.
“However it is anticipated that a submission will be forthcoming in respect to (the charge).”
The court heard it could take up to two weeks before the report was prepared.
The teen has been in detention on remand since his arrest in 2021.
“I’m anxious that the matter move along for obvious reasons … or not be lost,” Justice David North said.
The Crown prosecution said there had been additional DNA statements requested that were “yet to be received” – it was unknown if this involved retesting or further testing.
The court heard it was estimated any trial would take about three days.
The matter was listed for trial in June and will be mentioned again in late March.
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