2 days ago
Pre-inquest hearing begins for cold case murders of trio shot dead in Mount Isa bushland
A coroner has been tasked with "finding answers" for the families of three friends who were killed in remote Queensland more than 45 years ago.
In October 1978, Karen Edwards, 23, Timothy Thomson, 31, and Gordon Twaddle, 22, were found shot dead in bushland at Spear Creek, near Mount Isa.
At the time, the trio had been on a motorcycle trip together, travelling from Alice Springs to Melbourne.
In 1980 a coroner ruled they had been murdered by an unknown person or persons.
Following a fresh cold case investigation, in 2019, Bruce Preston — who had previously admitted to stealing one of their motorbikes — was arrested over the triple homicide.
However, after being committed to stand trial, the prosecution against him was withdrawn in 2023.
Lawyers for Mr Preston have previously said he denies having any involvement in their deaths.
During a pre-inquest conference held on Thursday, the Coroners Court in Brisbane heard an inquest could be held as early as October with more than 40 witnesses expected to give evidence.
Counsel Assisting the Coroner Amelia Hughes told the court there were four proposed issues set to be examined, the first being an outline of the group's journey from the Northern Territory into Queensland.
"Including the locations at which they stopped and the timing," she said.
The court heard this issue would also look at any occasions they were seen in the company of a fourth rider and try to determine who that person was.
Ms Hughes told the court the inquiry will also consider the movements and activities of the group after they arrived in Mt Isa and their time spent at a local caravan park.
"Including… the visits by a Toyota Landcruiser at their campsite… [and] the identity of the driver," she said.
The court heard there was evidence the group had been picked up by this vehicle multiple times during their stay.
Coroner Stephanie Williams will also probe the adequacy of the two police investigations and attempt to identify whether anyone was involved in the deaths.
She told the court she wanted to secure evidence as thoroughly as possible whilst "battling" the "passage of time".
"No doubt as the families would be acutely aware this matter has been going on for many decades," she said.
Some of the family members were dialled into the hearing, and Coroner Williams acknowledged their dedication to uncovering what happened.
"This matter and investigation have been a long time coming, thank you for your commitment to your loved ones," she said.
"I hope that as this inquiry progresses, the court is able to assist you with finding answers to some of the questions you have."
A further preliminary conference into the matter will be heard in August.
