Step-son facing murder charge

NEIGHBOURS of a Goodna man who died on Tuesday night were yesterday shocked as his step-son faced court charged with murder.

Ivan Martic, 52, was stabbed in the chest and back at his Cramp Street home about 6.30pm and died in Ipswich Hospital a short time later.

His 27-year-old step-son Zarko Ilic allegedly led police on a chase on the Ipswich Motorway from Dinmore to Rocklea, Brisbane, before he was arrested and charged with murder.

A neighbour said Mr Martic was a “very proud family man” whose death had been met with disbelief by Cramp Street residents.

“We spoke to him quite regularly – he was a quiet guy,” said the neighbour, who did not want to be named.
“They were just a traditional Croatian family who kept to themselves.

“He was always kind – he even used to bring our kids gifts at Easter and Christmas.

“It’s a terrible shame that this happened to him.”

Another neighbour said they could not believe the incident occurred in their usually quiet street, where Scenes of Crime officers were investigating at Mr Martic’s house.

“I just can’t believe it’s happened here, you never see or hear any trouble come from their house,” they said.

Ilic’s lawyer Neil Lawler appeared in Ipswich Magistrates court yesterday morning and asked for the case to be mentioned again next month.

Prosecutor Sergeant John Nelson asked for Zarko Ilic to be brought into court wearing handcuffs due to “serious concerns for his safety”.

But he did not appear, and a committal mention was set for November 11.

Ilic remains in custody and will not be required in court at the next mention.