Krystle Earsman and Chris Pappas announce engagement in wake of suspected arson, alleged assault
A couple who survived a fiery sports car crash, vicious assault during a home invasion and suspected business arson is planning a more positive chapter in their lives.
Police & Courts
Don't miss out on the headlines from Police & Courts. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A couple who has survived a fiery sports car crash, vicious assault and suspected business arson is planning a more positive chapter in their lives.
Mermaid Beach hairdresser Krystle Earsman announced her engagement to long-time partner Chris Pappas via Instagram on Tuesday night.
The post features the smiling pair, who have a young child together, on the bow of a boat near a rocky ocean outcrop at an unknown location.
“Yes. The most perfect day and right before you asked me to be your wife. Forever and Always,” the photo was captioned.
Scores of friends commented on the post, including hairdressing guru Oscar Cullinan, who said “Congrats guys”.
The couple has endured a series of shocking events, beginning with a fiery high-speed crash at Bundall in 2022 when they were pulled from the burning wreckage of Mr Pappas’ $330,000 McLaren supercar.
It was reported at the time the pair were “lucky” to escape with minor injuries.
More recently, Mr Pappas was allegedly bashed with a hammer and stabbed by masked men in an early morning raid on his waterfront mansion in August.
Joshua Timothy James Phillips, of Tweed Heads, has since been charged with unlawful wounding, acts intended to cause grievous bodily harm, and enter dwelling and commit over the alleged assault of Mr Pappas.
Weeks after the alleged attack on Mr Pappas, police were called to the firebombing of a Mermaid Beach salon, HSK Hair, owned by Ms Earsman.
It is not suggested Phillips was involved in the arson.
Mr Pappas was among four men charged over a multimillion-dollar alleged “boiler room” fraud in 2016, when police made allegations of selling false betting products or services.
The charges against the men were suddenly dropped after permanent stays against the prosecutions were granted in the Southport District Court earlier this year.
None of the cases were ever formally listed for trial.
Case of Southport stabbing accused may go ‘absolutely nowhere’ – Magistrate
A magistrate has raised serious concerns over charges brought against a man for an alleged stabbing near a Gold Coast shopping centre. Read what was said.
Olympian’s brother pleads guilty to role in cocaine smuggling plot
The brother of an Olympic medallist has pleaded guilty to attempting to import commercial quantities of cocaine into Australia – after successfully overturning his conviction for the exact same charge.