A Queensland man accused of murdering his teenage girlfriend has been identified.
Michael Kurt Pringle, 21, was arrested and charged on Friday after a five-day investigation into the death of 19-year-old woman, Krystle Monks.
The Courier Mail reports Mr Pringle was a father to a one-year-old had and had been dating Ms Monks for a number of months.
The teenager was found unconscious at an Ipswich home about 9.30pm on February 4.
She was taken in a critical condition to the Princess Alexandra Hospital, where she died on the evening of February 5.
Detectives from Ipswich Criminal Investigation Branch and the Homicide Investigation Unit declared the home a crime scene and launched Operation Victor Fluorite to investigate the circumstances surrounding her death.
On Saturday morning, Detective Acting Superintendent Larissa Miller told reporters the death was being treated as a matter of domestic family violence homicide.
“Operation Victor Fluorite has truly been a team effort,” she stated.
“Our investigators, specialists and forensic officers have worked extremely hard over the past week to bring about this resolution.
“As a result of that investigation, we charged a 21-year-old man who is due to appear in court today.
“Due to their relationship, we are investigating this matter as a domestic family violence homicide.
“The aspect of violence in a domestic setting will be a focus of the investigation.
“If you or someone that you know is experiencing domestic and family violence, please call police or 1800 respect.”
According to the Courier Mail, Mr Pringle was due to appear in court today but had asked not to be brought into the courtroom.
Instead, he waited in his watch house cell while his matter was heard.
Mr Pringle did not apply for bail and his matter was adjourned to Ipswich Court on March 31.
He remains remanded in custody.
Superintendent Miller would not disclose what police allege happened to Ms Monks, what injuries she suffered or how they were inflicted though it was previously reported that she suffered serious head injuries.
“The matter is now before the court so it’s inappropriate to comment,” she said.
Supt Miller would not comment on Pringle’s arrest or how law enforcement tracked him down, but said he had been co-operating with police.
Tributes have continued to flow for the young barista, with friends describing her as a “very fun and outgoing person” who was able to make anyone smile.
“She would of been 20 in two weeks’ time. Gone far too young.”
A fundraiser has been launched to help Ms Monk’s family during this difficult time.
“Krystle was a loving, kind and caring soul who loved her little dog Blackie,” the page reads.
“She had many aspirations in life and was always thriving to do more. She placed a smile on the faces of all she came in touch with.
“Krystle was always happy to have a chat with anyone who needed her and give love and support to her family and friends.
“Sadly Krystle lost her life, just 2 weeks shy of her 20th birthday.
“Her family are very appreciative of all of our friends and loved ones who have reached out in this very difficult time, offering your kind words and a warm shoulder to shed some tears on.
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“We are a very close and humble family and while asking for your help during this time is quite difficult, it is needed to cover the unexpected costs that come from such a sudden loss of life.
“We ask our community and loved ones for your support during this very difficult time to help bring Krystle home and give her family and loved ones the ability to celebrate the life she had.
“We hope to always remember Krystle by her legacy: ‘Always young, forever beautiful, be kind.”
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