Man awaiting trial on 25-year-old double murder takes own life
A man awaiting trial on a 25-year-old double murder has taken his own life in a Central Queensland prison.
A man awaiting trial on a 25-year-old double murder has taken his own life in a Central Queensland prison.
Russell James Williams, 51, was found in his cell at Rockhampton’s Capricornia Correctional Centre around 5am today and declared dead a short time later.
Williams was charged in January with the murders of Derek Van Der Poel, 23, and Robert Grayson, 26, who were last seen alive in Gladstone in May 1993.
Police alleged the victims were guarding marijuana crops for Williams, with all three involved in the “substantial” production of the drug in a national park near Gladstone.
Williams was also charged with drug trafficking and was next due to appear in court on June 19.
A police spokesman said he was alone in his cell and the death was “not considered suspicious”.
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