Dale Joram Edward Hamilton accused of murdering Jonathan Martin has charges mentioned in Toowoomba Magistrates Court

A court has been told there’s been progress with a Western Downs’ murder case with the accused set to spend Christmas behind bars after being on remand for more than six months.

A court has been told that despite major delays and issues with Queensland forensics labs, the alleged murder case of Western Downs man Jonathan Martin may no longer be impacted by outstanding DNA analysis reports.

The Queensland government announced a second inquiry into the state’s forensic DNA testing, noting more than 37,000 old criminal cases needed to be reviewed.

Dale Joram Edward Hamilton, 26, was charged with murder following an alleged neighbourhood dispute at a Hawkins St home at Miles on March 21, 2023.

Murder charge: Dale Joram Edward Hamilton (left), accused of stabbing Miles man Jonathan Martin (right) at a Western Downs residence on March 21, 2023.

Police allege the 44-year-old was found unresponsive in a home with a chest stab wound, and paramedics rushed him to Miles Hospital where he died.

An update on the case was provided to Toowoomba Magistrates Court on Wednesday, December 6.

Mr Hamilton was represented in court by solicitor Phil Stainton, who said he was still waiting on police to disclose all evidence to his office.

The Legal Aid Queensland lawyer said an autopsy report was outstanding, as well as DNA reports, however the case may be able to proceed without the latter.

Mr Hamilton has been in police custody for more than six months, and has not yet entered a plea to the charge.
An update on the progress of the case will be provided to the Toowoomba Magistrates Court on January 31.

There was no application for bail and Mr Hamilton was remanded in custody.

Originally published as Dale Joram Edward Hamilton accused of murdering Jonathan Martin has charges mentioned in Toowoomba Magistrates Court