A 17-year-old boy has been charged with additional offences following the fatal traffic crash that claimed the lives of 31-year-old Katherine Leadbetter, 37-year-old Matthew Field and their unborn baby son Miles in Alexandra Hills on January 26.
In addition to the two counts of murder and burglary and one count each of dangerous operation of a vehicle, unlawful use of a motor vehicle and attempted unlawful use of a motor vehicle, the boy has also been charged with a further two counts of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle (whilst adversely affected by an intoxicating substance), two counts of failure to fulfil duties at the scene of a traffic crash and one count each of wilful damage, driving whilst disqualified and possessing tainted property.
Assistant Commissioner Brian Codd confirmed that upon receipt of expert legal advice, a specific charge of Killing an Unborn Child under the provisions of the Criminal Code is not available in this case.
"The death of unborn baby Miles will be presented as an aggravating element of the murder charge relating to death of his mother Kate," Assistant Commissioner Codd said.
"This advice has been provided to the families and we will continue to support and engage with them throughout our investigation and subsequent court proceedings," he said.
"It was a privilege to be invited along with Commissioner Carroll and a number of my first responder colleagues to join family, friends and community members, to the funeral and celebration of the lives of Matt, Kate and baby Miles yesterday.
"The strength and dignity of the families is an example to all of us at this enormously difficult time.
"While the family and we as a community grieve, the investigative team continues the work of painstakingly and tirelessly building the brief of evidence for consideration of the courts in due course."
The boy has been issued a Notice to Appear in Brisbane Children's Court on February 15.
Link to livestream of press conference with Assistant Commissioner Codd:
https://livestream.com/queenslandpolice/events/9511207/videos/217302947
