Brisbane woman charged with murder after allegedly stabbing ex-partner to death
A woman has been charged with murder after she allegedly stabbed her ex-partner to death in front of a child in Brisbane's north overnight.
Police said Kerry Rooney, 51, arrived at his Newmarket unit block around 7pm before being confronted by Bonita Coue in the building's stairwell.
Detective Superintendent Tony Fleming said Ms Coue, 53, had no contact with her estranged partner for more than five years.
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Kerry Rooney, 51, died after he was allegedly stabbed by his ex-partner is Brisbane. Instagram
Police forensic crews at the scene today. Nine
It is alleged Ms Coue sprayed Mr Rooney in the face with a substance, believed to be bleach, before stabbing him in the back.
It is also alleged she sprayed the young child with the same substance after they attempted to help Mr Rooney.
"We will allege the victim ran away and the female followed him and subsequently stabbed him in the neck," Detective Superintendent Fleming said.
It alleged several people were witnesses to the attack but were forced to stay away, with Ms Coue brandishing what appeared to be a firearm.
Multiple emergency crews responded a short time later but were unable to resuscitate Mr Rooney.
Ms Coue, from Kangaroo Point, was taken into custody and was charged with one count of murder, two counts of assault occasioning bodily harm and one count of going armed so as to cause fear.
Police outside the Brisbane unit. 9News
Detective Superintendent Tony Fleming described the alleged attack as "distressing" and "abhorrent". Nine
Detective Superintendent Fleming said there had been no domestic violence orders between the two and that Mr Rooney likely had no idea he would be set upon last night.
"We will allege that this is brutal and unforeseen by the victim and just tragic by all regards," Detective Fleming said.
"I think it's distressing, abhorrent."
Appearing in Brisbane's Magistrates Court this morning, Ms Coue chose to represent herself despite being urged otherwise by the magistrate and told it was free of charge.
The matter was adjourned until July 12.
One witness told 9News he tried to comfort the man until he was overcome by horrific injuries.
"There was a lot of commotion," resident Hugh Cochrane said.
"A lot of yelling, screaming and very quickly police came onto the scene.
"There [were] a few people around him saying, 'stay with me, mate'. We just wanted to make sure he was okay, obviously."
If you or someone you know is impacted by domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit their website.
In an emergency, call 000.
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