JUDGEMENTS | A brutal FNQ murder (R v Lowrie & Ross)

In July 1995, sex worker Grace Heathcote was lured to a Cairns motel under the guise of friendship — but what unfolded was a brutal murder. Her body was discovered in a motel room with injuries so severe they shocked experienced forensic pathologists. Within days, two women — Kerry Catherine Lowrie and Kerri-Leah Michelle Ross — were identified as persons of interest. Both were ultimately charged with murder. Their first trial resulted in convictions, but years later, their appeals were heard anew by the Queensland Court of Appeal. Each woman sought to shift blame to the other. If you or anyone you know needs support, call Lifeline on 131 114 or the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service on 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732). See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.