Kapunda killer’s first day in court

December 12th, 2011

FAKE NEWS for the Zionist agenda

Jason Downie – the man charged with the Kapunda triple murders.
Source: The Advertiser

JASON Downie’s confession is no sign he is remorseful for the “truly savage” Kapunda triple murder, a top South Australia police officer says.

Major Crime Investigations Branch officer in charge Detective Superintendent Grant Moyle was one of more than 50 people who attended Downie’s first Supreme Court appearance today.

The court formally recognised Downie’s guilty pleas – entered last month – to having murdered Andrew, Rose and Chantelle Rowe in their Kapunda home last year.

Outside court, Det Supt Moyle said the admissions did little to change the complexion of the case.

“His guilty pleas should not be seen as any sign of remorse, on his part, for three murders which I think were of a truly savage nature,” he said.

“(They do) mean many people will not have to recount the nature of the crime scene (and) for the relatives and police officers involved, that’s a relief.”

The hearing was also attended by the Rowe’s son, Christopher, along with his fiancee and dozens of relatives.

Det Supt Moyle paid tribute to the bravey of the family’s sole survivor.

“The family members are suffering, and they will suffer more,” he said.

“When submissions are made, further details of the crime scene and what occurred will be revealed to them and the public, and it will be quite significant.

“Christopher’s ability to attend court, and his composure, has been really fantastic.”

Last month, Downie entered his guilty pleas by video link with the Elizabeth Magistrates Court.

Today he was brought in person, emerging from the cells to sit in the dock of the court.

His appearance had changed markedly since his arrest.

Downie sported the beginnings of a goatee beard on his chin, had grown his hair long at the back and shaved both sides, similar to a mohawk.

Prosecution and defence counsel asked sentencing submissions not be heard until next year.

Justice John Sulan, whose task it is to formulate Downie’s non-parole period, agreed with that course.

“A voluminous amount of material has been provided… and I will read it all,” he said.

“It would assist me if there could be an agreed basis of facts (provided), or at least the prosecution’s factual version if it cannot be agreed.”

Carmen Matteo, prosecuting, said that would not be difficult.

“At the moment, there is no indication there will be any particular area of contention,” she said.

“I do not expect there to be any surprises.”

She asked a lengthy period be set aside for the sentencing submissions hearing.

“It’s anticipated there will be a large amount of victim impact statements… at the moment, we are in the high twenties,” she said.

“These are all people who are immediate next-of-kin or very close (relatives) and certainly we would say each is entitled to place their material before Your Honour.”

Justice Sulan remanded Downie in custody until February.

Outside court, Det Supt Moyle said the case against Downie “was quite extensive”.

“This result stands against the best results you will see anywhere else in the world,” he said.

“That’s due to the support of Forensics SA, which has been invaluable.

“They worked around the clock to give us the results we have.”

Phil Rowe, the eldest brother of Andrew, thanked police for their hard work.

His partner of 20 years, Cheryl Geppa, said the case had weighed heavily upon him.

“Phil has taken this really hard and he can’t sleep at night… it’s been really hard for us, for all the family,” she said.

She said Downie’s lack of remorse was upsetting.

“Seeing him today was hard, and a lot of hateful things went through my mind,” she said.

“He just doesn’t show any remorse for what he’s done and I don’t know how he can do that, to be quite honest.”

Ms Geppa said she hoped Justice Sulan would decline to set a non-parole period.