Update after mum of four killed
Police have charged a man with murder after a mother of four was fatally stabbed in a unit on the outskirts of Brisbane.
A 29-year-old Morayfield man has been charged with one count of murder (domestic violence), two counts of attempted murder, two counts of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, one count of evading police and one count of contravening a domestic violence order.
Meanwhile, tributes from family and friends have flooded social media for Heather Ball, remembering the young mother, who was only in her twenties, as a “beautiful” person.
Emergency services were called to a Caboolture unit at about 8.30pm on Wednesday following reports a woman had been assaulted.
Officers found a woman in her 20s suffering from critical stab wounds.
She was rushed to Caboolture hospital but died from her injuries soon after.
Referring to her as his “big sis”, Rick White, who was known to Ms Ball, said she “didn’t deserve this”.
“You’re going to be missed,” he posted on Facebook.
Family members were devastated to learn that her death was being treated as a homicide, with Ms Ball leaving four young children behind.
“We will do everything we can to make sure your beautiful babies grow up as happy and healthy as possible,” her sister, Stephanie Fort, said on Facebook.
“You were a wonderful sister and an amazing mother, and I am so f****** sorry I couldn’t save you.”
Neighbour Danah Bourke told 7 News that on the evening of the incident she was woken by a “terrified” woman screaming, “help me”.
A crime scene was declared at the Short St unit and a Holden Commodore, which was subsequently identified as a vehicle of interest, was being tracked by police in the local area.
Two hours after the stabbing, the car drove onto the Bruce Highway and police began their pursuit.
Police followed behind the car as it headed northbound on the highway towards the Sunshine Coast.
Despite the deployment of a device used to deflate the car’s tyres, the vehicle did not slow down, subsequently driving off before crashing into a police car near Yandina.
After the pursuit, the man was transported to Sunshine Coast University Hospital under police guard.
Police allege he is known to the woman who died earlier that night.
Two police officers – a male senior constable and male sergeant – were also transported to hospital with minor injuries.
The charged man will appear before Caboolture Magistrates Court via video link on Friday.
Police continue to appeal to anyone with information, CCTV or dashcam footage in the vicinity of Short St on the night of May 17 to come forward.
Inspector Green said Ms Ball was the “aggrieved” in a domestic violence order at the time of her death.
Her children were now being cared for by family and friends.
Police are appealing for anyone with information, CCTV or dashcam footage in the vicinity of Short Street last night to come forward.
Anyone with information or footage in relation to the traffic crash is also asked to contact police.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic and family violence, you should report it to police.
Support and counselling is available at
DVConnect Womensline: 1800 811 811
DVConnect Mensline: 1800 600 636
1800 RESPECT: 1800 737 732
