Steven Mataka Henry: Man faces court charged with murder of man, woman in Mitchelton
Written by admin on October 8, 2024
A man charged with the murder of two people after he allegedly failed to contact emergency services when the pair suffered fatal “adverse reactions” from drugs is seeking new legal representation.
Steven Mataka Henry, 41, was not present in Brisbane Magistrates Court when his matter was briefly mentioned on Tuesday morning.
Mr Henry, from Greenslopes in Brisbane’s south, is facing two counts of murder (reckless indifference).
He is also facing other charges of failing to take reasonable care and precautions in respect of a syringe or needle and possessing and supplying dangerous drugs.
Police allege he supplied Jasmine Lee Sloane, 35 and Stephen John Peters, 61, with drugs on the night of August 29 at a home in Mitchelton, in Brisbane’s northwest.
Emergency services were called to the Kentville St property at 8.50am the following day and found Ms Sloane and Mr Peters unresponsive.
Police allege Mr Henry failed to contact emergency services when the pair had an “adverse reaction” to the substances.
On Tuesday, the court was told Mr Henry was seeking new legal counsel at Brisbane-based firm Cridland & Hua Lawyers.
Magistrate Anthony Gett, noting Mr Henry’s matter was listed for the first committal mention, ordered a brief to be provided by November 11.
Mr Henry’s matter was adjourned to an earlier date, in three weeks, in order for him to sort out his new representation.
The court was told a memo had not been received by Cridland & Hua Lawyers.
Mr Henry was remanded in custody to reappear on October 28 by video link.
He has not entered a plea to the charges.
Speaking to reporters after the alleged incident on August 29, Senior Sergeant Mick Jones said it was alleged Mr Henry brought the drugs to the premises and provided them to those there.
“He was there for the duration (of the drug taking),” Sergeant Jones said.
“I don’t know the exact way the whole situation transpired.
“He certainly indicated they used drugs on that evening … whether they all used the same drugs (is unclear).”
