Lawyers for accused double-murderer Murray Deakin have appeared in court as police await forensic evidence surrounding the cause of death of one of his alleged victims.
Deakin, 20, is facing 10 charges, including the alleged stabbing of his grandparents Gail and Thomas Winner at their home in East Street, Bega, and allegedly attacking former police officer Mick Horne, 54, with a hammer during a carjacking on Sapphire Coast Dr on June 1.
Both Ms Winner and Mr Horne died as a result of their injuries.
Deakin is also facing two charges of wounding with intent to murder, and assaulting police causing actual bodily harm.
He did not appear in person or via Audio Visual Link at Bega Local Court on Tuesday, August 14.
Deakin was represented by solicitor Dominique Rideaux, who appeared as an agent on behalf of top Sydney defence lawyer Gregory J Goold, who was also not present in court.
Magistrate Doug Dick denied a request by police prosecutor Sergeant Mark Chaplin to adjourn the case until November, as the exact cause of death of one victim remains unknown.
Sergeant Chaplin told the court a forensic pathology report on one of the victims, which can take up to five months, was required to complete the prosecution’s brief of evidence.
Police also requested a collection of the accused’s fingerprints be taken as soon as possible.
Following consultation with Mr Goold’s office, Mr Rideaux told the court the request for Deakin’s fingerprints to be taken would not be opposed, before Sergeant Chaplin told the court the procedure will be performed on Friday, August 17.
Magistrate Dick told Mr Rideaux to advise Deakin “reasonable force will be used if he [Deakin] does resist the taking of prints”.
He adjourned the matter to Bega Local Court on Tuesday, August 28.
