Queensland detectives have charged the ex-partner of Gympie mum Kirra-Lea McLoughlin with her murder, nearly eight years after she died from severe brain injuries due to domestic abuse.
The mother of four had more than 100 bruises on her body after an assault at her residence at Wolvi near Gympie on July 17.
There had been a gathering at McLoughlin’s rural home two days before her death.
Paramedics were called to the property the following afternoon and found her unresponsive.
She was taken to Gold Coast University Hospital but never regained consciousness and died the next day.
A coronial inquest in 2020 and 2021 found she was most likely a victim of domestic abuse, leading detectives to review the case.
They arrested 40-year-old Paul Alan McDonald in Brisbane on Wednesday and charged him with one count of murder.
The matter was mentioned briefly in Brisbane Magistrates Court on Wednesday and adjourned to August 8.