Yugar baby death: Key evidence against parents charged with murder up to 18 months away

The parents of a severely injured seven-month-old boy allegedly prayed for him and did not call an ambulance until the next day, by which time the infant had died.

The accused couple – Reinhardt Bosch and Noemi Kondacs. Picture: Facebook.

A magistrate has demanded an explanation after being told key forensic evidence against parents charged with murder over their baby’s death will not be finalised for up to 18 months.

Among the outstanding evidence is a forensic neurologist’s report.

The court heard Queensland Health only employs one, and that person only works one day per week.

Reinhardt (Ryan) Albert Bosch, 33 at the time, and Noemi Kondacs, 22 at the time, were charged last year with murder and torture over the death of their seven-month-old son, Rhuan.

It is alleged that they prayed for their seriously injured boy, but did not call an ambulance until after their baby had died. It is understood the parents are deeply religious.

It is alleged Rhuan suffered his injuries between April 11 and November 2, but his parents did not call an ambulance until the morning of November 3.

The couple’s son and victim in the case, Rhuan. Picture: GoFundMe

Paramedics attended the family home on Mount Samson Road in Yugar, northwest of Brisbane, and alerted police to the death.

Their case was mentioned in Brisbane Magistrates Court on February 6. It was estimated forensic evidence – including reports from a pathologist, radiologist and forensic neurologist – would take six to 18 months to be finalised.

The case was reviewed in the same court on Monday, and a more specific time frame still could not be provided. Among the reasons given was that Queensland Health only has one forensic neurologist and they work one day per week.

Magistrate Michael Quinn demanded an explanation for the delays. He took into account the existing backlog of forensic evidence awaiting analysis, which has been further exacerbated by the need to retest thousands of samples following the damning Commission of Inquiry.

“The court has become accustomed to there being such a lack of resources in forensic areas that very, very, very long delays are to be experienced,” he said.

“But 12 to 18 months cannot be acceptable.

“I do understand given the nature of the charges that it is in-depth, it is serious, and all of those relevant issues, but one day a week is of concern.

“The arresting officer is to file … an affidavit setting out what attempts have been made to obtain the outstanding material, in particular medical statements, and what advice has been given concerning ETAs and why material is unable to be disclosed in a reasonable time.

“That is not meant to be a criticism of investigators, but merely to enable the court to be better informed of the ETAs on our outstanding material.”

Mr Bosch and Ms Kondac’s cases were adjourned to July 3.