The family of murdered grandmother Rachel Martin have expressed their anger at the alleged killer’s not guilty plea in court on Monday.
Key points:
- Accused Luke Raymond Simpson has pleaded not guilty to killing grandmother Rachel Martin
- Ms Martin’s body was found in a Mount Gambier home in July last year
- Her family expressed their anger in court after hearing Mr Simpson’s plea, swearing as they left the courtroom
Mount Gambier man Luke Raymond Simpson, 35, was charged with Ms Martin’s murder after the 44-year-old’s body was found in a Chestnut Close home in July last year.
Mr Simpson pleaded not guilty in the Mount Gambier Magistrates Court on Monday.
He appeared via video link from custody. He has been in detention since his arrest in July.
After hearing the plea, Ms Martin’s family members were visibly distressed and angry in court.
Family members swore at the accused as they left the courtroom.
According to yesterday’s brief court proceedings, Mr Simpson will appear in the Supreme Court in Adelaide on May 2.
Limestone Coast police have previously said that the accused and victim were “known to each other”.
Superintendent Campbell Hill had said local police had “dealings” with the pair in early 2020, but had not had any contact with them since.
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