Melody Neal, 18, fights for her life in Townsville Hospital after Kamerunga school stabbing
An 18-year-old woman who was stabbed at Peace Lutheran College continues to fight for her life a week after suffering an alleged attack by another student.
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Peace Lutheran College student Melody Neal continues to fight for her life after she was stabbed at her school almost a week ago.
Ms Neal was transferred to Townsville Hospital over the weekend where she remained in a critical but stable condition, a spokeswoman for the hospital has confirmed.
The community was left reeling by the attack on Ms Neal, 18, who police said was sitting with friends during a morning tea break on Tuesday, May 16, when fellow student Marc Rajan Taylor allegedly stabbed her with a knife multiple times.
Mr Taylor had to be restrained by staff and other students before police arrived.
Police officers have since recovered the knife allegedly used to stab Ms Neal.
Ms Neal was a casual employee at Cairns food manufacturer Fenglehorn Sauces.
The company’s owner Michael Hayman was rocked by the news of Ms Neal’s wounding and sincerely wished her a full recovery.
“She is a gorgeous person with a heart of gold,” Mr Hayman said.
“She is a great worker and she is also a very talented artist. She has a promising future ahead of her.”
Social media accounts belonging to Ms Neal show an array of elaborate artworks she created, as well as planned comic book illustrations.
Other photos appear to show her enjoying outdoor activities, travel and music concerts with friends, as well as private moments of creative work.
In one Facebook post, Ms Neal described herself as a motivated person who was keen to broaden her life’s experiences.
The Cairns Post understands Ms Neal is a boarding student at Peace Lutheran College and her parents are currently living overseas.
A spokeswoman for Peace Lutheran College said the parents had been contacted after the incident.
Ms Neal’s alleged attacker appeared in court on Wednesday charged with attempted murder.
Magistrate Cathy McLennan presided over the court and Mr Taylor appeared in prison greens via watch-house video link, with a white bandage on one of his fingers.
He was represented by counsel Derek Perkins, who told the court his client would make an application for bail on June 12.
Mr Perkins told the court he was waiting for the results of Mr Taylor’s mental health assessment.
“And additionally we agreed on direction for disclosure (on) July 14, 2023,” he said.
“Isn’t that early given the condition of (the woman) is still unstable?” Magistrate McLennan asked.
“The prosecutor has the right under the Justice Act to amend the charge at any time,” Mr Perkins told the court.
The court settled on July 12 for a disclosure direction and the matter will be mentioned again on June 12.
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Originally published as Melody Neal, 18, fights for her life in Townsville Hospital after Kamerunga school stabbing
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