James George De Marco’s drug and weapons charges in Rockhampton court

A man who allegedly murdered his friend Anuisha Bone on the roadside appeared in court on drugs and weapons charges unrelated to the high profile killing that shocked the town.

James George De Marco being walked to the Rockhampton Watch House on January 17 2024. He was charged with the alleged murder of Anuisha Bone.

A Rockhampton man who allegedly murdered his friend has appeared in court on drugs and weapons charges unrelated to the high profile killing that shocked the town.

James George De Marco, 26, was charged with possessing drugs, unlawfully possessing a category A, B or M weapon, two counts of unlawfully possessing a category D, H or R weapon and unlawful use of a motor vehicle, in relation to a roadside stop at the corner of Aquatic Place and High Street in Rockhampton the day after Anuisha Bone’s alleged murder on November 17, 2023.

The beloved son and talented sportsman was fatally shot at Access 3 on Rockhampton-Yeppoon Rd.

Two months to the day after the 34-year-old’s body was found on the roadside with a single gunshot wound to his neck, police charged Mr De Marco and Arlie Lee Fowler, 33, with murder.

Anuisha John Bone.

Mr De Marco’s former lawyer Jess King advised the Rockhampton Magistrates Court on Monday, February 14 that Mr De Marco was now represented by Brisbane firm Owens and Associates.

Magistrate Philippa Beckinsale said there was correspondence from the new firm requesting Mr De Marco’s drugs and weapons charges be adjourned to March 13 “to marry up with other charges” scheduled for mention that day.

The pair had their murder charges adjourned to March 13 after their first court appearance in January.

Police will allege Mr De Marco and Mr Fowler had their parole revoked after they were busted with drugs and guns.

Detective Superintendent Darrin Shadlow last month said police were investigating Mr De Marco and Mr Fowler when they were pulled over by officers in different parts of the state.

He said both men were allegedly found with illegal items and were returned to prison.

Mr Fowler has been charged with one count each of possessing tainted property and drug utensils when he was stopped by police at the corner of Karraschs Road and Pialba Burrum Heads Road in Hervey Bay on November 22, 2023.

He has also been charged with four counts of possessing drugs on November 1 and November 22 at Leichhardt Street in Parkhurst, one count of unlawful use of a motor vehicle on November 21 in Rockhampton, three counts of unlawfully possessing category A, B or M weapons and three of category D, H or R on November 21 at the corner of Auton and Johnsons Road, The Caves.

Ms Beckinsale adjourned Mr De Marco’s to March 13 at 9am.

No pleas have been entered.

Both men have been remanded in custody.

Originally published as James George De Marco’s drug and weapons charges in Rockhampton court