Latest details in Gavin Raymond Pates’ alleged manslaughter case

A coroner’s report into the death of young South Burnett father Blayde Barber has been released, as lawyers for his accused killer reveal they plan to issue a summons at the next court date.

Lawyers for Kingaroy man Gavin Raymond Pates, charged with manslaughter over the shooting death of Blayde Barber at a South Burnett property, are now working through a coroner’s report into the 21-year-old’s death, a Kingaroy court has heard.

Lawyers for a South Burnett businessman charged with manslaughter over the shooting death of a 21-year-old man on his property near Kingaroy are now working through a coroner’s report on the matter.

Gavin Raymond Pates, 38, was charged with one count of manslaughter and insecure storage of weapons following the death of Blayde Barber at Mr Pates’ Booie property late on the night of Thursday, March 21, 2024.

Police allege Mr Barber and another man arrived in a 2005 Hyundai Sonata at Mr Pates’ property, on Kingaroy Barkers Creek Rd, about 11.30pm.

Mr Pates is alleged to have come out of the home armed with a gun, and shot at the car as it drove past him.

The vehicle then crashed into a fence post as it was leaving the property.

Flood victim to be laid to rest after remains confirmed

Unorthodox plan to tackle flying fox issue in outback town

Gavin Raymond Pates, 38, is charged with one count of manslaughter and insecure storage of weapons over the death of Blayde Barber at Mr Pates’ Booie property late on the night of Thursday, March 21.

Emergency services found Mr Barber unconscious and trapped in the wreckage, with critical injuries.

He later died at Kingaroy Hospital.

It was initially reported Mr Blayde and Mr Pates did not know each other.

On November 29, Mr Pates’ lawyer told the Kingaroy Magistrates Court the defence was now in possession of a coroner’s report into the incident.

“As a result of the contents … we will be issuing a summons at the next court date,” she said.

“QPS has also provided a significant amount of … disclosure we’ve requested.

“That’s been provided to our barrister who’s working through that now.”

She sought an adjournment into the new year to allow those to be processed as they would inform the defence’s next steps.

The matter was adjourned until January 31, 2025.

Mr Pates’ bail was enlarged and his appearance at Friday’s hearing excused, as well as at the next mention.