Queensland man Damian James Carroll charged with murder of new girlfriend, shooting at car

A man accused of murdering his new girlfriend, a former Mackay woman, after her body was found in bushland near Townsville has faced court.

A man accused of murdering his new girlfriend, a former Mackay woman, after her body was found in bushland in Townsville has fronted court for the first time.

Damian James Carroll, who police will also allege was involved in a brazen drive-by shooting at Yalboroo in Mackay the next day, was on a return to prison warrant, a court heard Wednesday.

Damian James Carroll, 38, of Deeragun, is charged with murdering his new girlfriend, former Mackay woman, Tania Trickey, 44. Picture: Supplied

Carroll, 38, was wearing a watch-house-issued green jumper and pants as he was brought into the Mackay Magistrates Court on Brisbane St to be formally charged during a brief appearance.

Police allege Carroll murdered mum-of-four Tania Lee Trickey, 44, on August 13.

A group of teenagers found a woman’s body in the Townsville suburb of Bluewater about 4.40pm while riding all terrain vehicles, or quad bikes, in the area that day.

Tania Trickey, who was found dead in Bluewater on August 13. Picture: Supplied

The Deeragun man was charged with murder – domestic violence offence.

He was also charged with acts intended to cause grievous bodily harm against Glenn Richard Edwards on Sunday after allegedly firing a shot into a vehicle driving on the Bruce Highway near Yalboroo about 11.30am.

Police said Carroll stole fuel from a Giru service station, between Townsville and Ayr, and that he contravened an order to access information stored electronically.

Queensland Police Service officers were called to bushland near Jaloonda Road in the Townsville suburb of Bluewater about 4.40pm Saturday after a passing fisherman found a woman’s body near the road. Picture: Daniel Shirkie

He was charged after police called on members of the public to help identify a red 1997 Red Toyota Corolla hatch allegedly spotted in Bluewater on Saturday and Yalboroo on Sunday.

In a heartfelt post on social media, Ms Trickey’s son Matthew Trickey wrote: “I’ll love you forever mumzy”.

Under the post, one person wrote:

“I knew ur (sic) mum well Matthew, she was a beautiful person (and) had a big heart … I’m so sorry for ur (sic) loss.”

Carroll is also charged with acts intended to cause grievous bodily harm or transmit disease over allegedly shooting at a vehicle at Yalboroo. Picture: Supplied

Others offered their support, a shoulder to lean on and condolences.

In court, Queensland Police prosecutor Sergeant Linden Pollard requested the brief of evidence, which Magistrate James Morton ordered be disclosed by November 30.

Both murder and acts intended to cause grievous bodily harm or transmit serious disease have a maximum penalty of life imprisonment, if convicted.

The crime scene where a woman was murdered at Bluewater. Picture: Leighton Smith

Legal Aid solicitor Ancilla Seethya asked for matters to be adjourned to the Townsville Magistrates Court, 31 Walker St, Townsville.

Ms Seethya told the court her client was on a return-to-prison warrant and there was no application for bail.

Under Queensland legislation, anyone charged with murder can only apply for bail in the supreme court.

Matters were adjourned for committal mention for sometime in January, but Carroll, who was remanded in custody, will not be required to appear in court.

Originally published as Queensland man Damian James Carroll charged with murder of new girlfriend, shooting at car