Russell Klein murder case drags before Toowoomba court as Callum Cook mentioned

Details have been revealed in court about the case against the man accused of Russell Klein’s murder, who was tragically killed on Christmas Day at his Millmerran home.

Police allege Russell Klein (Pictured) was killed by Callum Anthony Padaric Cook, 30, on December 25, 2022.

A Toowoomba magistrate has expressed frustration as the case against a man accused of murdering a Darling Downs league identity faces further delays, as police forensics push through a mountain of reports.

Police charged Callum Anthony Padaric Cook with murder in December 2022, after he allegedly killed Darling Downs rugby league player Russell Klein on Christmas Day.

Police allege Mr Cook, 30, deliberately drove his car into Mr Klein in the front yard of his own home on Commens St, Millmerran.

Despite the efforts of paramedics, Mr Klein, 55, died after he sustained critical injuries.

Russell Klein (pictured) died after a car allegedly ploughed through his home in Millmerran on Christmas Day.

Cook was also charged with unlicensed driving and the unlawful possession of a weapon, ammunition, and drug utensils.

Mr Cook was not required to appear in court on April 19, however he was represented by Legal Aid solicitor Nikola Prince.

Ms Prince told the court her team could not progress the matter until the police handed over all outstanding evidence, which included a police officer’s statement, and a ballistic report.

“Perhaps most importantly, the forensic pathologist statement remains outstanding and there has been no indication of a target date for that,” she said.

“I understand directions were made on the last occasion for target dates to be disclosed.”

Police prosecutor Rohan Brewster-Webb said pathologist reports usually took up to 12 months to be completed, however it would be ready in mid-May.

Mr Brewster-Webb said the missing police statement had not been completed as the officer was on sick leave and had since resigned.

“In relation to the fingerprint statement we don’t have an ETA yet,” he said.

“The officer is taking it back up with the OIC of the fingerprint bureau in order to get that prioritised.”

Magistrate Kay Philipson said “we are dealing with a murder charge here, what is the difficulty?”

“I would think a murder forensics would take priority over a break and enter.”

Toowoomba Courthouse. Picture: NewsWire / Sarah Marshall

Mr Brewster-Webb said it was prioritised, but unfortunately there were “lots and lots” of jobs backlogged.

“But there aren’t lots and lots and lots of murders are there?” Ms Philipson said.

“If the prosecution can’t provide them within the time frame then there might be some difficulties because matters just can’t keep sitting and waiting.

“If those reports are not provided, the relevant people can appear and indicate why.”

Ms Philipson ordered the outstanding pathologist and police report to be completed by May 4, and the ballistic report by June 28.

The case will next be mentioned in court on July 5.

Originally published as Russell Klein murder case drags before Toowoomba court as Callum Cook mentioned