Tara Brown's death made international headlines. Photo / Supplied
Tara Brown's death made international headlines. Photo / Supplied
The Kiwi mother allegedly murdered by her ex-partner on the Gold Coast was farewelled at a service this morning.
Tara Brown, 24, died on September 9 after Lionel Patea allegedly ran her car off the road and then attacked her with a cast iron fire hydrant cover as she lay trapped.
Ms Brown was taken off life support hours later.
Patea, also 24, has been charged with murder. He had been in a relationship with Ms Brown since high school and the pair had a three-year-old daughter.
Ms Brown ended the relationship shortly before her death and a protection order was issued preventing Patea from contacting her. She went to police five days before she died, concerned about text messages Patea had been sending her. Police turned her away.
"Thank you for being there for me... I'm so blessed to have had you in my life. You're my Angel. I'm reflecting on the good memories today.
Mrs Palmer also encouraged the public to support people affected by domestic violence.]
"No one should ever experience any form of mental or physical abuse. Australia is in crisis. One woman a week dies from a domestic violence related incident.
"Don't become or let your loved one become a statistic... As a nation we need to do more. We need to be better neighbours to each other and speak up on this issue.
"Keep praying for the victims and families impacted by domestic violence. We can all make a difference through prayer, donations, awareness and assistance."
ACCUSED SEEKS PSYCHIATRIC HELP:
Tara Brown with her ex-partner Lionel Patea. Photo / Supplied
Patea handed himself into police hours after he allegedly bashed Ms Brown. He had self-inflicted stab wounds and was taken to hospital. While under police guard he was formally charged with murder in a special bedside court hearing.
He appeared in the Southport Magistrates Court by video link yesterday.
News.com reported that he been placed in protective custody for his own safety in prison.
At yesterday's hearing Patea's lawyer Campbell MacCallum requested "psychiatric assistance" to be provided to his client. He will next appear in court on November 11.
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger call 111. For information on family violence, what it is and where to get help:
