Blake Matthew Seers, 38, allegedly killed his fiancée Kate Paterson and the couple's 11-month-old daughter April at their home in Logan, with two charges of murder mentioned in Brisbane Magistrates Court before being remanded to the Beenleigh court on March 25. His lawyer has now indicated that his client is making a physical recovery while receiving medical care in custody.
The tragedy was discovered after Seers was struck by a car not far from the crime scene, 30km south of Brisbane. Witnesses raised the alarm after seeing a man covered in blood running along a footpath before he was hit by a black utility about 300m from the family home. Both died from critical injuries from an edged weapon, police said.
Defence lawyer Nicholas Andrews has described his client's condition in measured terms. According to the SMH, Andrews said Seers is "slowly getting better," though the lawyer did not elaborate on specific details of his injuries or the extent of his recovery.
Defence lawyer Nicholas Andrews said Seers had been diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder and would need medical support in custody. The disorder is a chronic mental health condition combining schizophrenia symptoms, including hallucinations and delusions, with episodes of depression and mania, according to Queensland Health.
The mental health diagnosis has become central to the defence strategy. Andrews said "There are mental considerations here and we will be ensuring that those are raised through the appropriate legal channels". Outside the courtroom, Andrews acknowledged the gravity of the matter while maintaining his professional responsibilities.
The case is proceeding through the Queensland court system with Seers continuing to receive medical treatment in hospital. Seers remains in hospital and did not appear as two charges of murder were mentioned in Brisbane Magistrates Court before being remanded to the Beenleigh court on March 25, meaning his next appearance will be conducted via video link from his medical facility.