Caboolture homicide investigation: Heather Ball dies from stab wounds, Morayfield man charged with murder
The identity of the man charged over the horrific stabbing death of a Caboolture mum on a quiet suburban street has been revealed as he faces court.
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The man charged with brutally stabbing his ex-partner on the footpath of a quiet suburban street, before allegedly leading police on a wild chase, crashing into a cop car and injuring two officers, has fronted court.
Aaron Robert Plant, 29, was called before Caboolture Magistrates Court on May 19, charged with one count of murder (domestic violence), two counts each of attempted murder and dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, and one count of evading police.
Police allege that around 8.30pm on May 17, Mr Plant brutally stabbed Ms Ball outside her Short Street home and fled on foot before getting into a Holden Commodore and leading police on a wild chase up the Bruce Highway before crashing into a police car.
According to court documents, the attempted murder charges levelled against Mr Plant — listed as a pensioner — stem from him allegedly crashing his car into the police car as officers pursued him on the Bruce Highway.
The police officers were taken to hospital with minor injuries, and a police van was left mangled as a result of the crash.
According to the documents, Mr Plant was told by police to stop at Mewitt St, Caboolture before allegedly driving dangerously along Esme Ave, Caboolture, and on the Bruce Highway at Corbould Park near Caloundra.
Mr Plant’s lawyer Holly Mitchell said her client had not yet been taken to the watch-house from hospital and so he could not appear via video link.
Magistrate Peter Hasted adjourned the matter for a committal mention on July 30, 2023, at the Caboolture Magistrates Court, with Plant not required to appear in person.
Earlier, neighbours have recounted the “terrified” screams for help that broke the silence on Wednesday night, about 8.30pm, before Heather Ball, 29, was found lying in a pool of her own blood on Short St in Caboolture.
Detectives are now investigating the contact police had with Ms Ball in the weeks prior to her death.
Neighbour Danah Bourke, said she was watching TV in bed when she heard Ms Ball screaming “help me”.
“We heard scuffling in the bushes,” she said.
“She hit the concrete – me and my partner can’t (forget) the sound of her hitting her head.
“Once we got downstairs she was trying to hold my hand but it was too much.” Ms Ball was rushed to Caboolture Hospital with stab wounds, but couldn’t be saved.
A crime scene was declared and police quickly identified a Holden Commodore driving on the Bruce Highway as a vehicle of interest, which allegedly led police on a wild pursuit. Police used tyre spikes to stop the car, but it crashed into a police vehicle and kept driving before police were able to stop it.
A 29-year-old man was arrested at the scene and was charged on Thursday night with one count of murder, two counts each of attempted murder and dangerous operation of a motor vehicle and one count of evading police.
It’s understood that he is Ms Ball’s ex-boyfriend.
Two police officers were taken to hospital with minor injuries, and a police van was left mangled as a result of the crash.
Detective Acting Inspector of the Moreton Crime Group Anthony Green said that Ms Ball’s former partner was speaking with police on Thursday afternoon.
“As we speak, detectives are speaking with that male person,” he said.
“We are currently conducting investigations into the contact police had with the victim in weeks prior.
“Detectives from Caboolture and the homicide squad, are conducting a number of inquiries, to ascertain the full background to how the incident took place.
“The victim is a mother of children, they’re currently being cared for by friends and family and we’re offering support,” he said.
Ms Ball’s relative, Alicia Clark, said she was “beautiful” and “bright”, and had a whole future ahead of her.
“She wanted to work with kids, she was really looking forward to starting her future with her kids and starting a better life for her,” Ms Clark said.
“Everyone’s pretty distraught obviously getting the phone call this morning everyone was frantically trying to find her making sure she’s as OK,” she said.
Ms Ball’s sister Stephanie Fort said she was a “shining light” who will never be forgotten.
“Our lives were made so much better and brighter for having you in it, and it is indeed dark times for our family and the many, many people whose lives you touched in such beautiful ways,” Ms Fort wrote.
“We love you so much, baby girl, and we will do everything we can to make sure your beautiful babies grow up as happy and healthy as possible, and that they know how incredible you were, and how much you adored them.
“You were a wonderful sister and an amazing mother.”
A GoFundMe has been launched to support Ms Ball’s “very young family”.
“Another soul lost to a horrific crime,” the GoFundMe post read.
“Heather Ball was taken from us way too soon.
“Heather was a daughter, a sister and a mother to four beautiful young children.
“We are raising funds to help the family with funeral costs and care for Heather’s very young family.”
Originally published as Caboolture homicide investigation: Heather Ball dies from stab wounds, Morayfield man charged with murder
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