Callum Anthony Padaric Cook remanded in custody after appearing in Toowoomba Magistrates Court charged with murdering Russell Klein

A 30-year-old man accused of the Christmas Day murder of 55-year-old Millmerran man Russell Klein has faced court for the first time.

Russell Klein was killed when he was struck by a car at Millmerran.

A man has faced court charged with murder after he allegedly drove into a Darling Downs rugby league identity, killing him in his own front yard.

Callum Anthony Padaric Cook, the man police have accused of murdering Russell Klein on Christmas Day, has been remanded in custody after his matters were briefly mentioned in Toowoomba Magistrates Court.

The 30-year-old man has been charged with one count of murder along with unlawful possession of a weapon, ammunition and drug utensils, and unlicensed driving.

Police allege that after a disturbance at a Commens St property about 9pm on December 25 Mr Cook deliberately drove into Mr Klein, with the 55-year-old suffering critical injuries.

Despite efforts from paramedics Mr Klein died at the scene.

Russell Klein’s house at Millmerran where he was allegedly murdered. Picture: Michael Nolan

Police located Mr Cook at a nearby park a short time later and he was taken into custody.

Mr Klein’s son Jayden posted a tribute to his dad on Facebook late last night. He posted a picture of himself with his dad and his brother Jai in their football gear.

“What a legend miss you dad and love you,” he wrote under the photo.

Tunza Euler responded: “Proudest moment for him to play with the both of his sons, love you brother and always here for you. RIP Rusty, gone to soon.”

Jayden Klein with his dad Russell and his brother Jai in their football gear.

During the brief court appearance Mr Cook appeared in person where he was represented by duty solicitor Joe McConnell.

Appearing in person, Mr Cook was remanded in custody to appear in court again on February 28.

As Mr Cook was being led out of the court his partner called out “I love you, I’ll come see you when I can” from the public gallery.

Magistrate Andrew Cridland ordered for police prosecutions to prepare a full brief of evidence for the murder charge.

Toowoomba detectives are continuing to investigate the matter and have appealed for anyone with dashcam footage of the incident to come forward.

Originally published as Callum Anthony Padaric Cook remanded in custody after appearing in Toowoomba Magistrates Court charged with murdering Russell Klein