Calwell death: Canberra man Marcus Rappel charged with murder of Tara Costigan
There were angry scenes in the ACT Magistrates Court on Monday as Marcus Rappel was formally charged with the murder of 28-year-old Tara Costigan, whose body was found at a home in Canberra's south on Saturday.
It came as friends and family of Ms Costigan established a fundraising website to help support her three young children.
Security was heavy in the court as Rappel, 40, was brought in to be charged before a packed public gallery.
He is also facing charges of assault against two other people, and breach of a protection order.
Ms Costigan was found dead on the laundry floor of a townhouse on Duggan Street in Calwell on Saturday, after police were called to a disturbance there about 4:30pm.
Police said Ms Costigan suffered severe head injuries and there was an axe found beside her.
Rappel, who was arrested at the scene, did not apply for bail.
As he was led from the court Rappel was abused by angry family members and friends.
One man called Rappel an "animal" as he was taken from the room.
He will face court again later this month.
Friends set up website to raise money for victim's children
Ms Costigan's friends have begun raising money to support her three children.
Friend Emma Luke set up the website which reads: "This 'fund me' is about three kids who have been left without a mother. Two boys and a one-week-old little girl. Their beautiful mother Tara was taken too soon in a horrific incident."
By 8am on Tuesday morning, almost $33,000 had been donated.
Ms Luke said she had been overwhelmed by the support of the Canberra community.
"I'm hoping it will go towards the kids, they're never going to get their mum back, but a little bit of money can go a long way," she said.
"If it helps the boys get through school and the little baby girl get some new clothes. She's not going to know her mum."
Ms Luke said the children were being cared for by family.
"She has so many friends and other people who just want to help support her kids in this devastating time," she said.
"Her family is massive as well so there's a good support group for them."
