Fiery exchanges erupt as ex-neighbour of mum accused of murdering kids takes to witness stand

Combative exchanges have erupted in court for the case of a mum accused of murdering her children as an ex-neighbour took the witness stand.

Fiery exchanges have erupted at a Gold Coast mum’s murder hearing with a former neighbour claiming the woman made a creepy request of her own children.

Maree Mavis Crabtree is facing a committal hearing at Brisbane Magistrates Court, charged with the alleged murders of her children Erin, 18 and Jonathan, 26, on separate dates in 2012 and 2017.

A court sketch of Maree Mavis Crabtree at Brisbane Magistrates Court.

Just a day after explosive claims were made about Jonathan’s death, combative exchanges erupted on Wednesday between another witness and defence barrister Angus Edwards.

Gemma Buchholz, who was Ms Crabtree’s former neighbour, gave evidence of the creepy request Ms Crabtree allegedly made to her in 2013.

“When I had my children, she wanted to be called ‘Nanna Maree’,” she said.

“My children were to grow up learning and knowing she was not to be called Maree but ‘Nanna Maree’.

“Just her saying that … the hairs on the back of my head rose up.”

Ms Buchholz said she had written numerous notes about her interactions with Ms Crabtree before giving a statement to detectives.

It led to confusing exchanges with Mr Edwards over backdating her notes, with Mr Edwards accusing her of changing her evidence to “make it seem like Ms Crabtree” had killed Jonathan.

“Your words changed because you can’t keep your story straight,” Mr Edwards said.

“No, I know my stories … you’re twisting my words,” Ms Buchholz replied.

One of the notes included a discussion claiming Ms Crabtree wanted to “put something” in Jonathan’s drink because he was a “potato” after the car crash in 2015.

Jonathan Crabtree (right) with his mother Maree.

Ms Crabtree is facing a raft of charges, including murder, attempted murder, fraud and multiple counts of obtaining a financial benefit by deception.

Police allege she murdered her adult children Erin, 18 and Jonathan, 26, on separate dates in 2012 and 2017.

Both deaths were initially ruled as suicides.

It is further alleged the pair were plied with prescription medication, causing a raft of health problems, while Ms Crabtree claimed disability payouts and insurance claims following their deaths.

The charge of torture relates to allegations Ms Crabtree plied another woman with prescription medication for years in the same manner as her children.

Multiple witnesses have told the court Erin Crabtree (pictured) appeared to be mute and spoke very little but otherwise had no noticeable physical impairments.

The committal hearing will determine if there is enough evidence to send the case to trial in a higher court.

Proceedings ground to a dramatic halt on Tuesday after a key witness refused to let police access her phone that allegedly contained critical messages surrounding Jonathan’s death.

The woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, gave evidence she had initially told officers Jonathan took his own life in 2017 but later claimed he was given a drink laced with prescription medication.

The hearing continues.