Alleged shooting victim Blayde Barber has charges against him dismissed

The case of a 21-year-old dad who died after allegedly being shot on a private property near Kingaroy has had a sad sequel in court, it can be revealed.

Blayde Barber died after being shot in the upper head, resulting in a car crash. Photo: Facebook.

A young dad who was shot and killed on a private property near Kingaroy was facing multiple charges in court, it can now be revealed.

Blayde Barber died after being critically injured in a crash on the private property off Kingaroy Barkers road at Booie on March 21 after the vehicle hit a fence post.

Police initially believed he had died as a result of the crash but after further investigations said he died from a gunshot wound to the upper body.

Kingaroy businessman Gavin Raymond Pates, 38, has been charged with one count of manslaughter and insecure storage of weapons.

He appeared in the Murgon Magistrates Court earlier this month

Police allege Mr Barber and another man had arrived at the property about 11.30pm in a 2005 Hyundai Sonata.

The court heard Mr Pates came out with a gun.

During the bail application, Mr Pates lawyer Greg McGuire told the court what allegedly led up to the incident.

The court heard Mr Pates was having trouble with people coming onto his property and kept a loaded gun underneath his bed.

Nanango resident Blayde Barber, who was tragically shot dead, had been facing multiple charges in court. Photo: Facebook.

Mr McGuire said on the night of the incident Mr Pates and his wife believed a vehicle on the property was either being broken into or being tampered with.

“Close to midnight, these two young fellows in a vehicle had come up into the property.

“He’s gone onto the driveway and the car has come at him, the firearm has then discharged,” Mr McGuire said.

Police Prosecutor Barry Stevens said when initially interviewed by police, Mr Pates told them he shot after the vehicle had passed him.

“The defendant stated the vehicle passed him about one metre from where he was standing.

“As the vehicle passed him, the firearm was fired and the vehicle was struck.

Sgt Stevens stressed it was important to note Mr Pates shot after the vehicle had passed him.

Kingaroy man Gavin Raymond Pates, 38, been charged with manslaughter over the death of Blayde Barber.

During the bail application, Mr Pates’ lawyer said both Mr Barber and the other occupant were well known to police but Mr Stevens rejected Mr Barber was.

“I don’t accept the victim was well known to police … it’s an overstatement in my view.’’

In Kingaroy Magistrates Court on Friday, it was revealed there were 18 charges against Mr Barber, including breaking into homes.

The court heard Mr Barber was meant to be home on curfew.

The charges against Mr Barber were withdrawn as a result of his tragic death.

Friends of the 21-year-old described him as a funny and ‘bubbly guy’.

Mr Barber and his ex-girlfriend, Toni Louise Eichner, welcomed their daughter in late 2022.

Ms Eichner shared an emotional farewell, writing: “Rest easy honey, we ended poorly, but you had a big impact on my life and the chapters surrounding it. I will forever cherish and keep those for our daughter.

“Your daughter will always know who you are, she loves you. I love you. Until we meet again.”