The trial date for the murder of Donna-Lee Donaldson is expected to be set on February 9, and Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the Crime portfolio, Fitz Bailey, has shared his belief that the missing social media influencer’s body was destroyed.
Constable Noel Maitland, Donaldson’s boyfriend, was charged with the 24-year-old’s murder on August 2, 2022, following his arrest by the Counter-Terrorism and Organized Crime Unit (CTOC) on July 27 on suspicion of being involved in her disappearance. It is believed that Donaldson was murdered on July 12, though the victim’s remains were never found. The constable was also charged with preventing the lawful burial of a corpse.
While speaking on Nationwide This Morning, DCP Bailey disclosed that the police had not done any further searches for Donaldson’s body as they had not received any additional tips regarding where her remains may be. When asked if the police considered the possibility that Donaldson’s body had been destroyed, Baily said it was obvious that it had been.
Bailey also shared that the court is currently waiting on forensic evidence results. Bloodstains found on curtains and a pair of sneakers inside Maitland’s apartment were previously analysed and matched with Donaldson’s DNA.
Maitland was denied bail last October and will make his next appearance in court on Thursday for a plea and case management hearing. A long-awaited trial date is expected to be set during tomorrow’s hearing.
Listen to the audio below.
