Tributes for Ipswich woman Kierra-lea Jensen, man charged with murder

Loved ones have paid tributes to a woman whose body was found by police west of Brisbane, allegedly with a “number of stab wounds”. A man has been charged with murder.

Forensic police at the scene on Monday. Picture: Liam Kidston

A woman whose body was found by police conducting a welfare check west of Brisbane had suffered “a number of stab wounds”, police allege.

The body of a 28-year-old woman was found inside a house on Flinders Dr in the Ipswich suburb of Leichhardt at 9.15am Monday.

A man has since been charged with murder and dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, after a dramatic arrest involving the police helicopter and tyre spikes.

The woman has been identified as Kierra-lea Jensen, known by loved ones as Kierra.

Forensic police at the scene Monday morning. Picture: Liam Kidston

A close friend, who asked not to be named, said Kierra was “funny, kind and caring”.

“She had the biggest heart and always tried her best to help anyone in need,” she said.

“She would sit with you for hours listening and always had advice on whatever situation you were going through.

“She always had a smile on her face and was always laughing.”

Kierra was a beloved step mum to a nine-year-old boy, and worked in scrap metal with her father.

She said Kierra was “very family oriented” and “loved her family with all she had”.

“She loved her cats and her dog, they were her babies.”

They shared their grief after seeing Kierra on Sunday, the day before her death, when Kierra came to visit her.

“As she left I gave her a hug and told her she looked happy,” she said.

“She told me she loved me, and I said it back.

“I didn’t know that would be the last time that I would ever see her.”

Kierra-lea Jensen.

Detective Acting Superintendent Garry Watts said a relative had contacted police, resulting in officers attending the Leichhardt home to conduct a welfare check.

“On police arrival, they discovered the body of a 28-year-old woman who was suffering from critical injuries,” he said.

“The woman was declared deceased at the scene and a crime scene has been established.

“Prior to police arrival, a man left this address in a white Toyota sedan.

“We were able to track this vehicle and after a short pursuit, the vehicle was located at Peak’s Crossing and a 36-year-old male was taken into police custody.”

He confirmed the man, who has since been charged, and woman were in a de facto relationship.

Kitchel Kevin Shillingsworth, 36, unemployed, faced Ipswich Magistrates Court on Tuesday morning, July 16 where he was charged with one count of murder (domestic violence offence) and one count of dangerous operation of a vehicle.

His lawyer Paddy O’Donnell made no bail application.

Mr O’Donnell also requested that his client’s appearance be excused at his next court proceedings.

Acting magistrate Paul Byrne adjourned the matter to August 23 for committal mention in Ipswich Magistrates Court.

Police were at a second crime scene at Peaks Crossing where the man was stopped by police using road spikes and State Emergency Services volunteers were also scouring the road by Wyaralong Dam where police allege the man discarded a knife.

“That vehicle is currently under examination,” he said of the Toyota.

“Our hearts go out to all involved in this tragedy, especially the family of the (alleged) victim, and also we are offering support to the first responders who attended the scene and were faced with a very traumatic situation.”

Police in Ipswich at a home where a woman’s body was found. Picture: Liam Kidston

Det Supt Watts said a concerned relative contacted them this morning after that person had “received information”.

“It was as a result of information received by that person and that person told police,” he said.

He confirmed it was not the first time police had been to the Flinders Dr home.

“I can tell you that police had attended that address in the last week as a result of information received,” Det Supt Watts said.

“However, no offences were detected. An investigation was conducted. There was no action taken.”

He said there were no domestic violence orders between the man and woman.

He said police were still investigating when the woman suffered the fatal injuries.

Multiple police were on scene in Ipswich Monday and officers had closed two streets surrounding the property.

A neighbour, who wished to remain anonymous, earlier said they’d heard a couple fighting Sunday night.

“I heard yelling and screaming coming from the house,” the neighbour said.

“It’s been happening for a couple of days.

“I woke up this morning and saw all the police outside, I can’t believe something like this had happened.”

The neighbour said the residents living at the property moved in about six months ago.