Two men have been charged with murder in connection with the death of fellow inmate Shannon Daniel Norgate at the Maryborough Correctional Centre in Queensland. Norgate, 28, was found unresponsive on November 26 and died from his injuries on December 1. During a court appearance, one of the accused, Isaac James Martin, stated that he was responsible for Norgate's death.
Incident Overview
Shannon Daniel Norgate, 28, was discovered unresponsive at the Maryborough Correctional Centre, located north of Queensland's Sunshine Coast, on November 26. Law enforcement authorities allege that Mr. Norgate sustained significant injuries during an altercation involving two other prisoners. He was subsequently transported to Hervey Bay Hospital, where he died from his injuries on December 1.
Investigation and Charges
The Corrective Services Investigation Unit and the Maryborough Criminal Investigation Branch jointly conducted the investigation into Mr. Norgate's death. As a result, Isaac James Martin, 31, and Bodhi James Barry Johnson, 29, were charged with murder.
Court Proceedings
Both Mr. Martin and Mr. Johnson appeared via video link before the Brisbane Magistrates Court on Thursday, January 8.
During his appearance, Isaac James Martin stated to the court, "I killed old mate because he's a child molester," and added, "I'm not denying it, I killed him." Magistrate Aaron Simpson advised Mr. Martin to obtain legal counsel, highlighting that a murder conviction carries a mandatory life sentence. Mr. Martin declined this advice, stating his intention to represent himself. Magistrate Simpson clarified that "killing a person doesn't necessarily mean it's murder" and reiterated the potential benefits of legal counsel.
Bodhi James Barry Johnson also appeared via video link and informed the court he had consulted Legal Aid regarding representation for the charge.
Both Mr. Martin and Mr. Johnson were remanded in custody. Their matters have been adjourned for a committal hearing at the Brisbane Magistrates Court on March 9.
Background of Individuals
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Shannon Daniel Norgate: Mr. Norgate had been incarcerated since 2020. In March 2020, he was sentenced in the Gladstone District Court for several child abuse offenses, including indecent treatment of children under 12, two counts of attempted indecent treatment of children under 12, and taking a child for an immoral purpose. Additional convictions included unlawful possession of a weapon, trespassing, public nuisance, and breaching bail. The child abuse incidents reportedly involved two boys in 2019, during which Mr. Norgate was dressed as a police officer.
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Isaac James Martin: Mr. Martin was previously sentenced to 11 years' imprisonment in 2023 for causing the death of Zlatko Sikorsky, another inmate who was awaiting trial for murder.
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Bodhi James Barry Johnson: Mr. Johnson has been transferred to Woodford Correctional Centre. He was reportedly eligible to apply for parole the month following his court appearance while serving a sentence for car theft and arson.