Man accused of murdering 78-year-old during Queensland crime spree remains in custody

Richard Zoltan Babos, 36, will remain in custody in Queensland after being charged with murder and attempted murder. The charges stem from a alleged crime spree in May around the town of Childers, located 300 kilometers north of Brisbane.

Police allege Babos was involved in multiple assaults. In one incident, he reportedly reversed into a car, assaulted the driver, and then left the scene. Later, on Whitebridge Road in North Isis, he is accused of punching 78-year-old Lawrence Elliott in the head and striking him with a metal pole, resulting in Elliott's death at the scene.

Following these incidents, Babos allegedly assaulted a 66-year-old man on Crescent Street in Childers. He was taken into custody after being restrained by bystanders. The court heard that scientific evidence, including DNA results, is still pending and is expected to take approximately 12 months to process.

Babos's lawyer indicated that a brief of evidence was received, but outstanding matters, particularly the scientific evidence, need to be addressed. The Bundaberg Magistrates Court has adjourned the case, with Babos's matter scheduled to return on December 15.