Gavin Raymond Pates manslaughter case slowly moves forward

Criminal charges against a father of two accused of manslaughter and the insecure storage of weapons were mentioned in the Kingaroy court on Friday.

Gavin Raymond Pates, 38, has been charged with the manslaughter of Nanango resident Blayde Barber. He was granted bail in Murgon court in April, 2024.

A Kingaroy businessman charged over the shooting death of 21-year-old Blayde Barber did not appear at the most recent mention of the case in Kingaroy Magistrates Court on Friday, January 31.

Gavin Raymond Pates had previously been excused from appearing in person; his lawyer, Sjaana Steffens from KF Solicitors, appeared on his behalf.

The court heard Mr Pates’ defence team was awaiting a subpoena, and requested an adjournment until they received this summons.

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Nanango resident, Blayde Barber, was originally reported to have died in a car accident. Photo: Facebook.

Mr Pates has been charged with one count each of manslaughter and insecure storage of weapons in relation to the 2024 shooting of Mr Barber.

Police allege Mr Barber and another man drove onto Mr Pates’ property around 11.30pm on March 21, 2024, when Mr Pates came out of his home and shot at the car, hitting Mr Barber.

Mr Barber was transported to Kingaroy Hospital with critical injuries, where he later died.

Mr Pates was granted bail in Murgon Magistrates Court in April, 2024.

The matter has been adjourned until February 21, 2025, where Mr Pates’ appearance has again been excused.