Man charged with murder following death of Caboolture mother

A 29-year-old Morayfield man has been charged with murder after a mother of four was fatally stabbed in Caboolture on May 17. The man was charged with one count of murder (domestic violence), two counts of attempted murder, two counts of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, one count of evading police and one count of contravening a domestic violence order. 

Emergency services were called to a Short Street unit at about 8.30pm that night, following reports a woman had been assaulted. Officers found a 27-year-old woman suffering from critical stab wounds. She was rushed to Caboolture hospital but died from her injuries soon after. 

Queensland Police said the suspect, allegedly known to the victim, initially fled the scene on foot. Patrolling police located a Holden Commodore being driven by the suspect which allegedly evaded police and was driving dangerously including through a red light and at high speeds. Despite a tyre deflation device being successfully deployed, the vehicle continued driving before crashing into a police van on the Bruce Highway at Yandina just before 11pm.

After the pursuit, the man was taken into custody and transported to Sunshine Coast University Hospital to be assessed. Two police officers – a male senior constable and male sergeant – were also transported to hospital with minor injuries but were later discharged.

Police continue to appeal to anyone with information, CCTV or dashcam footage in the vicinity of Short St on the night of May 17 to come forward.

The 29-year-old Morayfield man was expected to front Caboolture Magistrates Court via video link just days after the incident.

Meanwhile, tributes from family and friends have flooded social media for the victim, who has been named as Heather Ball, remembering the young mum as a ‘beautiful’ person. The four children are now being cared for by family and friends, with a GoFundMe campaign established to support those efforts.

If you or someone you know has been affected by domestic or family violence call 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732). If this story has affected you, support and counselling is also available via Lifeline 13 11 14.