Skye Anne Wallis and Karie O’Brien charged with murder of Senior Constable David Masters
Two women who allegedly fatally struck a police officer in a stolen car will have a chance to cross-examine witnesses, a court has been told.
The two women who allegedly mowed down and killed a police officer in a stolen car will have a chance to cross-examine witnesses, a court has been told.
Skye Anne Wallis and Karie O’Brien are both charged with the murder of Senior Constable David Masters and several other offences.
The 53‐year‐old was attempting to stop the allegedly stolen car on the Bruce Highway, near Burpengary, in Brisbane’s north, about 3am on June 27, 2021, when he was struck and killed.
It will be alleged in court that Ms Wallis was driving the stolen car, with Ms O’Brien travelling as a passenger.
They pair allegedly fled the scene and were arrested days later.
When the matter was briefly mentioned before Brisbane Magistrates Court on Tuesday, the court was told a directions hearing had been set and all issues were now resolved by consent.
The matter was listed for committal hearing on May 27, 2024, where cross-examination will take place over five days.
Both Ms Wallis and Ms O’Brien remain in custody and made no application for bail on Tuesday.
They are also facing charges of arson and unlawful use of a motor vehicle.
Ms Wallis was also charged with unlawful possession of a weapon after she allegedly carried a Taser when she handed herself over to police.
Constable Masters was stationed at Deception Bay Police Station before his death and had previously worked in the Queensland mounted police.
Up to 800 Queensland police officers formed a guard of honour for their fallen colleague following his funeral in 2021.
At his funeral, Queensland Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll described Constable Masters as a “shining light” who had made the police service a better place.
“He served with honour and it is we who were honoured to have known and served with him,” she said.
“His passing is a tragic loss.”