Weaver Pleads Guilty to Murder Seven Years After Body Found in Freezer
Bobby Andrew Weaver has pleaded guilty to the murder of 58-year-old David Thornton in the Brisbane Supreme Court. The plea occurred seven years after Thornton's remains were discovered in a freezer buried at his Goodna property in Ipswich.
Weaver, who was known to Mr. Thornton, faces a mandatory life sentence under Queensland law.
Court Proceedings Unfold
In the Brisbane Supreme Court, Bobby Andrew Weaver entered a guilty plea to one count of murder during what was scheduled as a pre-trial hearing. Justice Rebecca Wilson presided over the proceedings.
A remaining charge of interfering with a corpse was withdrawn. Weaver's legal representatives have indicated their intention to subpoena his medical records prior to a sentencing hearing. Justice Wilson has ordered Weaver to remain in custody, with a review scheduled for April 8 to confirm a sentencing date. A case mention is anticipated for next month.
Victim and Case Timeline
David Charles Thornton, a 58-year-old retired maths and science teacher, was last observed near his Goodna residence in Ipswich, west of Brisbane, on February 22, 2019. His family reported him missing on March 12, 2019.
Authorities state the murder occurred between January 24 and March 10, 2019. Bobby Andrew Weaver was known to Mr. Thornton.
Discovery of Remains
Following the missing person report, police commenced an excavation at Mr. Thornton's Goodna property in late March 2019. On April 1, 2019, investigators discovered two buried freezers, one of which contained human remains. These remains were subsequently identified as those of David Thornton.
Arrest and Extradition
Bobby Andrew Weaver, who was 24 years old at the time of the events, was apprehended on April 2, 2019, at a Pacific Highway rest stop in Tyagarah, north of Byron Bay, New South Wales. He was extradited to Queensland on April 3, 2019, in connection with Mr. Thornton's death.
Weaver was initially scheduled to commence a Supreme Court trial on July 27 of the current year.
Mandatory Life Sentence
Under Queensland law, a conviction for murder carries a mandatory life sentence. Bobby Andrew Weaver's guilty plea will result in this sentence.