Simon Jones charged with murder of mother-in-law Krishna Chopra

A 33-year-old man is facing a charge of murder after police claimed he killed his mother-in-law. Now the case has returned to a city court, his solicitor has revealed what is holding up the proceedings.

Outstanding witness statements and a pathologist’s report were blamed for the delay of the case against a 33-year-old man charged with the murder of his mother-in-law Krishna Chopra.

Simon Jones has been charged with murder arising from the death of Krishna Chopra who was found dead in her Park Road home in Crows Nest in January.

Police believe she may have been killed some time around January 21, some 10 days before her body was found.

Mr Jones was not required to be in court for the brief mention of the case on Thursday and was represented by solicitor Alysha Jacobsen of Bouchier Khan Lawyers.

Krishna Chopra’s body was found in her Park Road home in Crows Nest in January.

Ms Jacobsen said the defence was waiting for up to 22 outstanding witness statements and the pathologist’s report.

Police prosecutor Senior Constable Chris Willson told the court the pathologist’s report was expected in the coming days.

He said forensic analysis and a large amount of CCTV camera footage was yet to be completed.

Mr Jones has not as yet been required to enter any plea to the charge of murder.

Police claim preliminary autopsy results pointed to Ms Chopra having died from severe head trauma.

61-year-old Krishna Chopra was found dead in her Crow's Next home on Monday, January 31, 2022. Police launched an investigation into her death.

While police have not divulged any theories into how the 61-year-old died, investigators had appealed for public help in identifying a metal bar which was allegedly found during a ground search near Ms Chopra’s home on Park Road.

Magistrate Clare Kelly remanded Mr Jones in custody and adjourned the case to September 29 by which time it was envisaged the pathologist’s report would have been disclosed and the court would be updated on the outstanding witness statements.