Michael Kurt Pringle charged with murder following death of 19-year-old Krystle Monks

Michael Kurt Pringle, the man charged with the murder of 19-year-old Bundamba woman Krystle Monks, made an unusual request as the case was heard in court for the first time.

The man charged with murdering young Bundamba woman Krystle Monks has been identified as Michael Kurt Pringle.

The 21-year-old Dinmore man was arrested at a Redlands address and charged on Friday after a five-day investigation into the 19-year-old’s death.

Police were initially told by Pringle that Ms Monks fell off a bed and suffered head injuries.

An autopsy has been conducted and Pringle was charged with murder (domestic violence offence), possessing dangerous drugs and possessing used drug utensils.

Michael Kurt Pringle has been charged with the murder of 19-year-old Bundamba woman Krystle Monks. Picture: Supplied

Pringle was represented by a duty lawyer at the Brisbane Arrest court on Saturday.

The court heard he asked not to be brought into the courtroom and he waited in his watch house cell while his matter was heard.

Magistrate Deborah Vasta said it was unusual for someone to not appear before court for their first appearance.

“He’s supposed to be brought before court on a first court date,” she said.

Pringle’s mother sat in the back of the courtroom with a group of people while her son’s case was mentioned.

The group donned face masks as they exited the courthouse, declining to make comment.

Mr Pringle did not apply for bail and his matter was adjourned to Ipswich Court on March 31.

He remains remanded in custody.

Michael Kurt Pringle is the father of a one-year-old. Picture: Supplied

Pringle, a father to a one-year-old, had been dating Ms Monks for a number of months.

Southern Region Crime Coordinator Detective Superintendent Larissa Miller said Pringle’s arrest was “truly a team effort” by police.

“Our investigators, specialists and forensic officers have worked extremely hard over the past week to bring about this resolution,” she said.

“The aspect of violence in a domestic setting will be the focus of the investigation.”

But Supt Miller would not disclose what police were alleging happened to Ms Monks, what injuries she suffered or how they were inflicted.

It has previously been reported that she suffered serious head injuries.

“The matter is now before the court so it’s inappropriate to comment,” she said.

Supt Miller would not comment on Pringle’s arrest or how police tracked him down, but said he had been co-operating with police.

19-year-old Krystal Taylah Monks, who died suddenly over the weekend after collapsing in Bundamba. Picture: Facebook

Ms Monks’ family is said to be “extremely distressed” by her death, while grieving friends shared the social media hashtag ‘forever 19’ in growing numbers online.

It is understood Ms Monks had been working as a barista at the Coffee Club at Ipswich.

She would have turned 20 in two weeks but friends described her described as “forever young”.

A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to raise funds to cover funeral costs, which has already raised almost $4000.

“Krystle was a loving, kind and caring soul who loved her little dog ‘Blackie’’ and worked very hard in her role as a barista/kitchen hand,” the GoFundMe reads.

“Krystle had many aspirations in life and was always striving to do more. She placed a smile on the faces of all she came in touch with.

“Krystle was always happy to have a chat with anyone who needed her and give love and support to her family and friends.

“We are a very close and humble family and while asking for your help during this time is quite difficult, it is needed to cover the unexpected costs that come from such a sudden loss of life.

“We ask our community and loved ones for your support during this very difficult time to help bring Krystle home and give her family and loved ones the ability to celebrate the life she had.”

A family friend said the pair had been dating about six months before her death.

“When she was with (Michael) Kurt she never really talked much,” they said.

Investigations are ongoing and police have appealed to those known to the 19-year-old woman, who may have information which could assist investigations, to come forward.

Police at a home at Bundamba investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of Krystle Monks.

In a statement on Friday night, police say officers were called to a Bundamba address about 9.30pm on Saturday night to reports a “19-year-old woman had collapsed”.

“She was transported in a critical condition to the Princess Alexandra Hospital, where she died on the evening of February 5,” it read.

Police declared the address a crime scene and launched Operation Victor Fluorite to investigate the circumstances surrounding her death.

Originally published as Michael Kurt Pringle charged with murder following death of 19-year-old Krystle Monks