Funeral for Matthew Berry on Wednesday as accused killer returns to court

Slain Gold Coast builder Matthew Berry will be farewelled on Wednesday on the same day his accused killer is due to make his second court appearance.

Matthew Berry, 37, was found dead in his Tamborine Mountain home on June 28. Picture: Supplied

Slain Gold Coast builder Matthew Berry will be farewelled on Wednesday on the same day his accused killer is due to make his second court appearance.

The father-of-two, 37, was found beaten to death in his Mt Tamborine home on June 29.

His ex-partner Edwina was treated for shock at the scene after making the grisly discovery when she went to check on him.

Police last week charged his childhood friend and wedding groomsman, Daniel Robert McJannett, 36, with murder.

Police have alleged in court documents that Mr McJannett bashed Mr Berry to death with a gym weight bar after going to the Tolima Dr property on the afternoon of June 28.

Mr McJannett was also charged with possessing dangerous drugs and stealing after a large quantity of cannabis was allegedly taken from the property, along with a modem linked to Mr Berry’s home CCTV cameras.

Daniel McJannett is expected to appear in court again this week. Picture: Facebook

Police alleged they were able to extract CCTV footage from Mr Berry’s smashed phone showing Mr McJannett at the property on the afternoon of the murder.

Police also alleged they had spoken to witnesses who told of Mr Berry dealing cannabis from the house.

Mr McJannett did not appear in person in Southport Magistrates Court last Friday after being charged with the murder. He was represented by defence solicitor Jodie Allen, of Allen Searing Criminal Lawyers, who asked for the case to be adjourned until Wednesday.

Mr Berry’s family have announced on social media that his funeral will be held the same day at Mt Tamborine, where he grew up and attended school.

“We did not know Matthew, but our heart goes out to you at this difficult time, and particularly as you say farewell to your beloved son,” one person posted in response to the funeral announcement.

Tragically, it’s the second funeral this year for the family who lost Mr Berry’s stepbrother, Travis Cottle, in January.

Matthew Berry’s ex-wife Edwina, during a police appeal after his death. Picture: Steve Pohlner

Mr Berry’s mother Tania and stepfather, Alan Cottle, run the popular Stonehaven Manor guesthouse and wedding venue at Mt Tamborine and owned the Tolima Dr property where he was living alone since separating from Edwina, whom he married in 2021.

The couple had two young daughters.

Before Mr McJannett was arrested, a tearful Edwina Berry fronted a police media conference to appeal for public information to help solve the crime.

“Matty was a loving father, son, brother and friend,” Edwina Berry said tearfully.

“His heart was huge, and he was always willing and able to put others before himself.

“My husband didn’t deserve any of this. I’m asking anyone with information to please come forward and help police with their investigation. I just want justice for all our family and friends, and most of all our two little girls.”