Accused baby killer puts ‘trust in the Lord’
A young mother has told a court she’d prefer to “trust in the lord” instead of hiring a lawyer to represent her as she faces a murder charge after her seven-month-old baby died.
Noemi Kondacs, 24, was charged with murder alongside her 35-year-old husband, Reinhardt Bosch, when their son Rhuan was found dead at their home northwest of Brisbane on November 3, 2022.
Emergency services declared the infant dead after arriving at the Mount Samson Rd address in Yugar, earlier that day.
In February, the Crown withdrew one count of torture against Ms Kondacs and replaced it with a supplementary charge of failing to supply the necessaries of life.
The Crown will allege Ms Kondacs failed to help her son between April 11 and November 2.
Wearing a flowery top and braids in her hair, Ms Kondacs – who is self represented – appeared before Brisbane Supreme Court on Thursday.
When asked by Justice Peter Callaghan whether she was still intending to represent herself, Ms Kondacs replied: “yes, you’re honour”.
Ms Kondacs told the court she hadn’t made any inquiries about getting a lawyer despite Justice Callaghan previously offering the “suggestion” to her do to so.
“Well, I thought about it and I chose to still trust in the Lord,” Ms Kondacs said.
Justice Callaghan also asked the German born woman whether she understood she could be facing life imprisonment if found guilty of murder.
“Yes, your honour,” Ms Kondacs answered.
Justice Callaghan said he accepted that Ms Kondacs had the right to self represent but he suggested to her once more she has a “serious thought” about getting legal representation when the matter is next mentioned on June 6.
“I’m pausing because it’s a difficult situation, I’m concerned to respect your beliefs but I’m also concerned to protect your interest,” he said.
“You have to trust me that your interests will be protected in proceedings of this nature if you have a lawyer.
“Once again I ask you think about what I’ve said and to accept that what I’m saying is respecting your beliefs but also protecting your interests and not seeking to deny it.”
Ms Kondacs told the court she was also aware her husband had sought legal representation.
Mr Bosch’s matter will also be mentioned again on June 6.
The South African born youth carer is also charged with the murder and torture of their son.
Mr Bosch is facing an additional charge of assaulting Rhuan with an offensive instrument.
Police will allege in court Mr Bosch and Ms Kondacs prayed over Rhuan’s injured body before phoning an ambulance on the day of his alleged murder.
It is alleged Rhuan had “visible” injuries when police discovered the “confronting” scene at the home, according to court documents.
