A MAN charged with the brutal murder of his pregnant partner could also be charged with the killing of an unborn child in the days to come.

Surfers Paradise man Brock Wall, 34, is charged with the murder of 35-year-old Fabiana Palhares following a domestic incident that allegedly involved a tomahawk at Varsity Lakes yesterday.

The injured woman was taken to Gold Coast University Hospital where she died from her inj

The injured woman was taken to Gold Coast University Hospital where she died from her injuries. Photo: Richard Gosling

The matter was mentioned in the Southport Magistrates Court this morning but Wall’s appearance was excused.

Police prosecutor Donna Minns told the court it was likely that Wall would be further charged with killing an unborn child within the next few days.

She said it would take some time to conclude the investigation and take statements from all the forensic officers involved.

Duty lawyer Vered Turner said Wall’s appearance had been excused so the matter would be dealt with in his absence.

She requested a brief disclosure date from police for information on the case.

Several of Ms Palhares friends were at the court for the initial hearing, they gathered outside to support each other in their grief.

Mr Wall was arrested and charged with murder after he was allegedly found covered in blood a street away from the Randwick Court home where Ms Palhares was found unconscious.

Ms Palhares, who was believed to be 10 weeks into her pregnancy, was rushed to hospital in a critical condition about 2pm, but later succumbed to her injuries.

Detectives were this afternoon searching Mr Wall’s Surfers Paradise apartment where a number of items were seized.
Detectives seize items from the Surfers Paradise unit of murder accused Brock Wall. Pic:

Detectives seize items from the Surfers Paradise unit of murder accused Brock Wall. Pic: Jack Houghton

Patti Kapi, who lives across the road from the crime scene, said the victim was a “beautiful person”.

“We had just moved in, but she was always lovely — a beautiful person,” she said.

“She was such a small Brazilian lady and I had never heard them argue, so it’s a massive shock.”
Police have charged a 34-year-old Surfers Paradise man with murder.

Police have charged a 34-year-old Surfers Paradise man with murder.

Another neighbour, Michael Medic, said he ‘always saw the woman walking with her dog’.

“I would say hello to her. She seemed really nice,” he said.

Mr Medic said police were at the address only a few weeks ago.

Gold Coast Detective Superintendent Marc Hogan confirmed the woman was pregnant.

“There is some indication that a blunt instrument was used,’’ he said.

“I am told that she is pregnant but as to where she is in relation to that pregnancy I am not sure.

“It is a domestic incident so you would have to presume at some stage that they have been in a relationship.

“Obviously we do our best and the system does its best to protect people in these situations.”

Neighbours of the couple reportedly heard arguing coming from the home earlier in the afternoon.