Steve Fabriczy, one of the alleged murderers of Irma Palasics in her Canberra home in 1999, had his case heard in the ACT Magistrates Court this morning, Thursday 25 January 2024. The prosecution has requested a six-week adjournment to 7 March 2024. Mr Fabriczy will remain in custody until the next hearing where he will be required to appear in person.
Joseph Vekony, the second alleged murderer also appeared later in Magistrates Court in person to hear charges read against him through the help of a Hungarian translator. Vekony ‘s charges include stealing $30 thousand dollars in the break in, assault and bodily harm of Gregor, trespass with intent to assault and trespass to steal with a weapon. Mr Vekony’s case has now also been adjourned for six weeks until 7 March 2024 and he will remain in custody.
Both Fabricy and Vekony’s lawyers have asked that the cases be progressed to the Supreme court at the next hearing as they have been in remand for some time.
John Mikita, Irma’s grandson has shared the family’s disappointment with the request by the accused lawyers: “This is a highly emotional day for our family hearing the charges read against the second alleged offender. While our family believes in innocence until proven guilty, both alleged offenders have been able to live freely in the community for nearly 24 years while we suffered the tragic loss of our mother, grandmother and sister. The police should be given the time needed to be able to work on the case as it is large and complex. Pressuring police so the offenders can return home to their normal lives in the interim is unfair and disheartening. Justice must prevail for our family as we have waited so long for the murderers to be caught.”