Uber driver Scott Cabrie’s murder case delayed for up to six months

There could be delays of up to six months to proceedings for a teenager charged with the murder of a Hervey Bay Uber driver due to a backlog of thousands of DNA tests.

Hervey Bay Uber driver Scott Cabrie and 18-year-old Tye Wayne Porter.

The case of one of the two teenage boys charged with the alleged murder of a Hervey Bay Uber driver could be delayed for up to six months due to a backlog of DNA testing.

Tye Wayne Porter, 18, and a 17-year-old co-accused were charged with murder after the death of Scott Cabrie, 47, in February, 2023.

Mr Porter’s matter was briefly mentioned at Hervey Bay Magistrates Court on Thursday.

He was not present for the mention and remains in custody.

Mr Porter was charged with murder, unlawful use of a motor vehicle, arson, armed robbery and deprivation of liberty – unlawfully detain.

Murder accused Tye Wayne Porter, 18.

It is alleged the Toogoom man was killed during a robbery attempt when he picked up the two teens and another person on February 7.

His body was later found at a boat ramp in Howard.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Sonia Edwards told the court unless there was a court order, DNA results could take up to six months due to delays caused by the forensic DNA lab inquiry.

“Of course there will be other reports that are required,” she said.

In May it was revealed the state government-run DNA testing lab was dealing with a backlog of more than 10,000 cases as well as needing to test thousands of historical cases after the Commission of Inquiry.

During a mention of the matter in April, the court heard a partial brief of evidence had been prepared as the police awaited Mr Cabrie’s autopsy results.

Magistrate Michael Bice adjourned the matter until June 29.