Detectives have charged a Queensland man with three counts of murder following the fatal three-car collison on Friday, July 21.
The 25-year-old man, Rafferty Rolfe, was the only survivor of the crash where he is accused of following and attempting to ram a Nissan Navara.
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The Navara then veered onto the wrong side of the Bruce Highway at Federal and into the path of a Great Wall utility.
Terry Bishop, 65, and Gypsy Satterley, 25, were occupants of the Navara and Jessica Townley, 38, who was driving the utility all died in the crash.
Speaking to media on Tuesday morning, Detective Superintendent Ben Fadian allege Mr Bishop found Ms Satterley on the side of the Bruce Highway “in a state of distress” in the early hours of Friday morning.
Detective Superintendent Fadian said Mr Bishop picked up Ms Satterley, and were followed by a stolen car which allegedly rammed Mr Bishop’s vehicle.
“Mr Bishop then drove his vehicle, containing Ms Satterley, in a northbound direction in the southbound lane of the Bruce Highway,” Detective Superintendent Fadian said.
“Mr Bishop’s vehicle then collided with a vehicle being driven by Ms Jessica Townley.
“All three people in those vehicles were deceased.”
Rolfe remains under police guard in hospital, with his case to be heard in the Maroochydore Magistrates Court on Tuesday.
Previously, Rolfe had been charged with six driving and stealing offences in relation to the alleged theft of the SUV in Gympie on Thursday last week.
Those charges include stealing, driving without a licence, dangerous operation of a vehicle, unlawful possession of a motor vehicle, evading police, and armed robbery with violence.
Detective Superintendent Fadian said police have been seeking information from members of the public about Ms Satterley and Rolfe’s relationship as part of investigations.
“There are some people who have expressed a reluctance to speak to us,” he said.
“For whatever reason, they won’t engage with the police.
“They live on the fringe of society, but the appeal to them is that now is the time to come forward and assist us with our investigation.”
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form or call 131 444.
Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online.
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