Murder accused Kerrie Catling’s defence team applies for cross examination

The defence team of a Rockhampton woman accused of murdering her husband wants to cross examine prosecution witnesses in the coming months.

Chris Catling and Kerrie Catling. Kerrie Catling has been charged over the alleged murder of her husband Chris in March 2021.

The defence team of a woman accused of murdering her husband wants to cross examine prosecution witnesses in the coming months.

Chris Catling, 51, died in hospital, allegedly as a result of a single stab wound by a knife to his chest sustained at the family home in North Rockhampton, on March 22, 2021.

His wife, Kerrie Lee Catling, 50, was charged with murder in August 2021 and her matter was mentioned in Rockhampton Magistrates Court on January 25.

Lawyer Grant Cagney told the court his law firm had sent an application to prosecution on January 24, seeking to cross examine five of their witnesses during a committal hearing.

He informed the court that legislation required prosecution to respond within seven days, but given the size of the Catling file, defence had asked prosecution to reply within 14 days.

Magistrate Grace Kalhert adjourned Mrs Catling’s matter to February 22 and remanded Mrs Catling in custody.

Kerrie Catling has been charged with the murder of Chris Catling

During a bail application in the Supreme Court in October 2021, the court heard police received two Triple-0 calls on the day of the alleged murder, the first from a male, with a female voice heard in the background, before it was terminated.

Police found Mr Catling unresponsive in a lounge chair in the couple’s Norman Gardens home, with a knife on the ground near his right hand.

He had no defensive wounds, the court heard.

Justice David Boddice said it was alleged the downward trajectory of the knife went from the top of the chest into Mr Catling’s heart, with the wound 12 centimetres deep.

Ms Catling was denied bail on that occasion.

Originally published as Murder accused Kerrie Catling’s defence team applies for cross examination