The mother of a young woman allegedly killed by her ex-partner has called for a complete overhaul of domestic violence support services, stating that Australian women are being let down by the current system. Djuarn Baker-Adams, 27, was found unresponsive in her Slacks Creek home on Wednesday morning and died at the scene. Her ex-partner, Ronald Cora, 37, who performs under the stage name MC Triks, was charged with murder (domestic violence) later that day.
Patrice Power, Ms. Baker-Adams' mother, expressed her grief and frustration, telling The Courier Mail that the family had tried to help her daughter navigate what she described as a years-long troubled relationship. "As a mother, you just hope and pray you never get that knock on the door and I got it yesterday," Power said, adding that the family was in shock and questioning what more they could have done.
Power believes the system failed her daughter, emphasizing the need for a fundamental restructuring of domestic violence support. She also called for greater accountability in the allocation of government funds and for stricter consequences for individuals who come to the attention of authorities for domestic violence issues. "The pieces of paper handed out were largely worthless," she stated.
Queensland Police confirmed that Ms. Baker-Adams had recently contacted them regarding safety and domestic violence concerns and that a temporary protection order had been issued for her. Detective Inspector Ian Galpin told reporters that while police had been in contact with Ms. Baker-Adams within the last 10 days and offered support, the exact reasons for her presence at the Slacks Creek property were still under investigation but would form part of the inquiry.
Galpin stated he was satisfied that police took appropriate actions and engaged with support services. However, Ms. Baker-Adams' mother maintains that the system is not working effectively.
Ms. Baker-Adams' death is one of several alleged domestic violence fatalities in Queensland in recent months. On July 7, Jana Armstrong, 30, went missing from her Toowoomba home, leaving her baby; her body was later found, and her ex-partner has been accused of her murder. On June 28, Mallorie Roberts, 23, was allegedly shot and killed by her partner, who has been charged. On August 6, Julia Brundson, 23, was found dead in a suspected murder-suicide following a siege in Charleville.
Ronald Cora, known as MC Triks, has been part of Brisbane's hip-hop scene for several years and has a significant social media following. He has previously performed at Invasion Day protests. Bodycam footage released by Queensland Police showed Cora calmly speaking to officers at the scene before being handcuffed. He remains in custody and is scheduled to appear in Beenleigh Magistrates Court on August 27.