Man charged with murder after woman’s body found in Kallangur yard

A man accused of murdering his mother at her home north of Brisbane has been taken to hospital.

Police on scene at a Kallangur home where a body was found in the yard. Picture: David Clark

The woman whose body was found in the yard of a property north of Brisbane has been identified as a much-loved grandmother, as her son has been charged with her murder.

The woman allegedly murdered in her own home at Kallangur has been identified as much-loved grandmother Margz Smetheram.

Neighbours of the 56-year-old woman, who has been identified as much-loved grandmother Margarette (Margz) Smetheram, raised the alarm after hearing a disturbance about 12.50pm.

Emergency crews attended the Winter Rd, Kallangur house and found Mrs Smetheram’s body at the scene. She could not be revived.

Police established a crime scene after a woman's body was found at a Kallangur home. Picture: Isabella Holland

Moreton Bay police district Inspector Ben Fadian did not elaborate on her injuries, but said crews had been faced with a “confronting” scene.

Leonard James Llewellyn Smetheram, 36, from Kallangur was kept in police custody overnight and was charged with her murder.

Smetheram was due to face Pine Rivers Court on Friday, however police prosecutor Kerrie Spicer told the court Smetheram had been taken to the Prince Charles Hospital and was likely to be there for the next 24-48 hours.

Magistrate Ross Woodford discussed the possibility of attending the hospital in person for a bedside hearing.

Duty lawyer Mr Brendan Whelan told media outside of court Smetheram had been taken to hospital last night due to his level of intoxication.

Mr Whelan also told media he would be requesting a brief of evidence during the bedside hearing. The matter was adjourned to May 11.

Leonard Smetheram has been charged with murder.

Mrs Smetheran had previously lived in New Zealand.

She recently celebrated her 23rd wedding anniversary with husband Graham, who is not believed to be connected to her alleged murder.

Just two weeks ago, Mrs Smetheram shared a birthday message to “Leo”.

“Happy Birthday to our Son Leo. We love you heaps & hope you’re having an awesome day my boy,” she wrote.

A GoFundMe has been launched for Mrs Smetheram, who is described as the “glue” of her family.

“Margarette Smetheram, the loving mother, grandmother and glue that held the Smetheram family together is now safe in the promise of God’s hands,” the GoFundMe read.

Police investigate an alleged murder at a home in Kallangur. Picture: David Clark

“She was a loving member of the River of Life Christian Church and always welcomed those in need into her home. Loved immensely both family and friends alike.

“Unfortunately, she was called back to God’s kingdom and grew her angel wings leaving a massive hole in the hearts and lives of her beloved family.”

Other friends described Mrs Smetheram as a “mother to all”.

“My family friend and Mother to all has unfortunately found her wings and has set her journey to heaven,” a family friend wrote.

Police investigate an alleged murder at a home in Kallangur. Picture: David Clark

The victim’s next door neighbour of six years said Margz was a beautiful woman and her husband just as lovely.

“We’re still trying to fathom it,” she said.

“When I came home from work, I initially thought she had a heart attack.

“She had a heart of gold and was a great neighbour.

“She celebrated my 50th with me.

“It’s rocked all of us hard on this typically quiet street.”

Police investigate an alleged murder at a home in Kallangur. Picture: David Clark

Inspector Fadian confirmed there was no domestic violence order in place, but police had attended the address before on other matters.

“The female person and the person assisting police were known to each other, they are relatives, they are not in a relationship, there is no DV order in place,” he said.

Inspector Fadian did not confirm if any weapons were involved

He said it was still the “subject of investigation” who was home at the time of the death. Police, including detectives and forensic crews, set up a crime scene at the house on Thursday afternoon that extended up to the front of the house block.

Several officers were at the address conducting their investigations.

A neighbour told The Courier-Mail of their shock at discovering the incident had unfolded while they were at work.

A crime scene was established at a Kallangur home after a woman's body was found. Picture: Isabella Holland