Rapper accused of murdering ex-partner ordered to stay in custody

A Logan rapper accused of murder will remain in custody, after his first court hearing over the alleged assault of his former partner, who can now be identified as Djuarn Baker-Adams.

Ronald Cora, 37, a rapper who performs under the name MC Triks, was charged on Wednesday after the alleged assault at a Slacks Creek property in the early hours of the morning.

Baker-Adams, a 27-year-old from Woody Point, was found at the Rowanda Street property, after Cora phoned emergency services reporting that she was unresponsive, police said.

She was unable to be revived by paramedics.

Detectives said early investigations suggested she died of asphyxiation, but an autopsy would determine the official cause of death.

Cora was arrested at the scene, and later charged with murder.

Cora’s first mention of his case was briefly heard in the Brisbane Magistrates Court on Thursday. Cora did not appear for the hearing.

The case was adjourned to August 27 at Beenleigh Magistrates Court, and Cora was remanded in custody.

“When something like this does happen, we all feel it, as I’m sure the wider community does as well,” Detective Inspector Ian Galpin said hours after Baker-Adams was found.

The circumstances of the pair’s relationship is expected to form part of the police investigation.

Galpin said the pair, who were First Nations people, had been in a relationship that had ended. It was not known how long they had been separated.

Baker-Adams is the fourth person in Queensland to die in circumstances of alleged domestic violence in recent weeks.

Her mother Patrice Power told Nine News her daughter was a very caring, loving, beautiful young lady.

“She had a family that loved her,” Power said. “She had things in her life that she wanted to achieve.”

Baker-Adams was an aspiring youth worker, and was about to start her university degree. She was also a passionate Indigenous artist.

“She was the type of friend that would help anybody out,” Power said. “If you needed help at one o’clock in the morning, she was there.”

Police allege Baker-Adams sought domestic violence help from Queensland police in the days before her death, and had contact with specialised DFV services.

“I never ever wanted to get that knock on the front door,” Power said. “And that day came yesterday.”

“That was my worst nightmare. [She] did all the right steps, but it didn’t work. It didn’t save her life.”

“When you’re in it, it’s not that easy to just get out. You need help and support and protection.

“It’s just so sad to think that the system didn’t give her that love and care back when she needed it.”

Support is available from the National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service (1800RESPECT) on 1800 737 732 or Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491. If you, or someone you know, needs support you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.

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