Family’s distress after second delay in Jeffrey Brooks inquest

The family of a young scientist who died from a gunshot wound in bizarre circumstances nearly 30 years ago have been left “extremely frustrated” in their long search for closure after an inquest into his death was postponed for a second time.

The family of a young scientist who died from a gunshot wound while working at a crayfish farm nearly 30 years ago say they are “extremely frustrated” after an inquest into his death was postponed for a second time.

Jeffrey Brooks was 24 when he died from a shotgun wound to the chest while tending to crayfish at a Beenleigh farm in 1996.

DEAD WRONG: The explosive untold story of the bizarre shooting of Jeffrey Brooks

Police at the time quickly ruled his death an accident, finding Jeffrey had shot himself while pulling a loaded and faulty shotgun from the car towards his body.

In the weeks prior to his death, Jeffrey had told friends he feared for his life. An inquest into his death in 1998 delivered an open finding.

Wendy and Lawrie Brooks, parents of Jeffrey Brooks, at a pre-inquest hearing. Pic: Adam Head.

Jeffrey’s family and friends have long believed he was murdered and a podcast series called Dead Wrong produced by The Courier-Mail detailed ballistics tests and consulted with forensic pathologists to examine whether Jeffrey could have shot himself.

Following the podcast, prominent criminal lawyer Peter Boyce submitted more than 100 pages of documents to former Attorney-General Yvette D’Ath on behalf of the Brooks family.

It is understood Ms D’Ath sought specialised legal advice before making her decision to direct the State Coroner to reopen the inquest.

Jeffrey’s parents, Wendy and Lawrie Brooks, said it is coming up to four years since Ms D’Ath called for their son’s death to be re-examined.

“It really makes us wonder whether we will ever get justice,” Wendy said.

“It’s a pain that you carry, that you need to get rid of.”

The fresh inquest was originally set down for late February, but the Brooks were advised two weeks out that it was to be rescheduled because the Coroner due to hear the matter had resigned.

The Beenleigh Crayfish Farm in the mid-90s, where Jeffrey Brooks was shot dead.

It was then scheduled to be heard in late July but has now been postponed for a second time.

The Brooks’ said they had been given a range of reasons, including the unavailability of witnesses and people not wanting to travel during the current Covid-19 outbreak.

“It’s an unbelievable feeling,” Lawrie said.

“Back in February we were given two weeks’ notice. This time we thought it was finally going to happen.

“To have it happen again, it’s unbelievable.”

Wendy said friends and family had twice taken time off work and booked accommodation in preparation for the hearing, only for it to be cancelled at short notice.

She said the family needed to put the inquest behind them so they could finally have closure.

“There are so many things we know we can’t really do unless this is behind us,” she said.

“You look forward to the day, sure there’s apprehension because we’re not used to the court system.

“There’s an excitement that builds, an opportunity where we just might, might get justice for Jeffrey – and then we’re let down.”