A rapper has been charged with murder after a young woman was found allegedly strangled to death days after she had contacted police regarding domestic violence concerns. Ronald Cora, 37, who performs under the stage name MC Triks, is accused of killing Djuarn Baker-Adams, 27. Emergency services discovered Ms. Baker-Adams unresponsive in a Slacks Creek property bedroom early Wednesday, where she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Cora reportedly made the Triple Zero call and was subsequently charged with murder (domestic violence) later that day. Detectives confirmed that Ms. Baker-Adams had been in recent contact with police about safety and domestic violence issues, and a temporary protection order had been issued for her. Police stated that their preliminary investigations suggest Cora and Ms. Baker-Adams were at one point in a relationship, although the exact status was not disclosed.
"The reason she was at that particular location is still under investigation but it will certainly form part of our investigation," Detective Inspector Ian Galpin told reporters. He added that within the last 10 days, police had contact with the woman concerning domestic and family violence. Galpin indicated that police actions taken were appropriate and that support services had been engaged with Ms. Baker-Adams.
Police released bodycam footage showing officers approaching Cora, who was seated calmly on the front steps of his home before his arrest. He was seen speaking calmly to officers before being handcuffed. Cora is scheduled to appear in Brisbane Magistrates Court on Thursday.
Homicide detectives and forensic officers were present at the Slacks Creek home throughout Wednesday. Det. Insp. Galpin noted the investigation was in its early stages, with a team working to identify the circumstances leading to Ms. Baker-Adams' death, which preliminary findings suggest was caused by asphyxiation. Post-mortem results are pending to confirm the exact cause of death.
Cora has been a figure in Brisbane's hip hop scene for several years, amassing thousands of social media followers. He has also performed at Invasion Day protests, with a 2017 social media post from the State Library of Queensland noting his songwriting as a contemporary healing process in response to racism. The Deputy Premier of Queensland, Jarrod Bleijie, described the incident as a tragedy and extended thoughts to the family.
Resources for those experiencing domestic violence include 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732), Lifeline (13 11 14), and the Men's Referral Service (1300 766 491).