Brisbane Mother's Murder Trial: No Smoothie Evidence Found at Son's Home

In the Brisbane mother's murder trial, no fruit residue was found at the scene, despite claims of a drugged smoothie. This is a key point for the jury.
By Newsroom | Crime, Australia |

NO FRUIT RESIDUE FOUND AT SCENE, JURY TOLD

Maree Mavis Crabtree, 57, stands accused of murdering her adult son, Jonathan Crabtree, by administering a lethal dose of painkillers in a fruit smoothie. The trial, which began this week at the Brisbane Supreme Court, heard allegations that Crabtree laced the drink with medication. However, paramedics responding to the scene on July 19, 2023, found no traces of smoothie ingredients, specifically fruit bits or rinds, in the home. The only fruit present were whole apples and bananas. Crabtree has pleaded not guilty to charges of murder, attempted murder, and attempted insurance fraud.

‘No fruit’ in home of drug smoothie murder accused - 1

"There were no fruit bits or pineapple or watermelon rinds found?" Edwards said.

CLAIMS OF SMOOTHIE ADMINISTRATION

The prosecution, led by Crown prosecutor Caroline Marco, alleges Crabtree hid a fatal quantity of painkillers in a smoothie. Key to this accusation is the testimony expected from Jonathan's sister, Tara Crabtree, who has been granted immunity from prosecution. Tara is expected to testify that she acted as a lookout while her mother prepared the drink. She will also reportedly recount hearing Jonathan struggling and coughing throughout the night after consuming it.

Read More: Florida Swimmer Rescued by Woman, Later Identified as Double Murder Fugitive

‘No fruit’ in home of drug smoothie murder accused - 2

MOTIVE AND CIRCUMSTANCES

The court heard that Maree Crabtree found her living situation with her son "no longer tolerable" and lacked the funds to buy out his share of the jointly owned home. Prosecution claims Jonathan's involvement in a chemist robbery had jeopardized the family's finances, providing a motive for his alleged murder. Crabtree is also accused of attempting to murder her son earlier in January 2026.

‘No fruit’ in home of drug smoothie murder accused - 3

PREVIOUS INVESTIGATIONS AND ACCUSATIONS

This trial follows extensive investigation, with earlier reports from January 30, 2024, noting the absence of any signs of a drug-laced smoothie at the scene. Audio recordings from a conversation between police and Crabtree on the day her son's body was discovered were played, where she stated, "I would have picked it," in reference to identifying potential items.

‘No fruit’ in home of drug smoothie murder accused - 4

Crabtree's defense maintains her innocence, while the prosecution asserts that following Jonathan's death, she made a fraudulent claim against his superannuation fund for a death benefit. The timeline of events suggests a complex narrative, with Tara Crabtree reportedly altering her account of what transpired approximately two-and-a-half years after Jonathan's death, subsequently accusing her mother. Jonathan Crabtree is described in court as a "troubled man" with a history of drug use and abusive behavior.

Read More: Method Man Says Promoters Knew He Couldn't Attend Wu-Tang Clan Australia Tour

Maree Crabtree refused to administer CPR to her son, citing a bad back. The court heard she did not own the title to the house she shared with her son.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Maree Crabtree accused of?
Maree Crabtree, 57, is on trial for murdering her adult son, Jonathan Crabtree, by allegedly giving him painkillers in a smoothie on July 19, 2023. She has pleaded not guilty to murder, attempted murder, and insurance fraud.
Q: Was there any evidence of a smoothie at the scene?
Paramedics responding to the home found no traces of smoothie ingredients, like fruit bits or rinds, on July 19, 2023. The only fruit found were whole apples and bananas.
Q: What is the prosecution's main argument?
The prosecution claims Maree Crabtree hid painkillers in a smoothie to kill her son. Her daughter, Tara Crabtree, is expected to testify that she saw her mother prepare the drink and heard Jonathan struggling afterwards.
Q: What is the alleged motive for the murder?
The court heard that Maree Crabtree found her living situation with her son difficult and lacked money to buy him out of their shared home. Jonathan's involvement in a robbery also reportedly hurt family finances.
Q: When did the sister change her story?
Tara Crabtree reportedly changed her account of events and accused her mother about two and a half years after Jonathan's death.
Q: Did Maree Crabtree try to get money after her son's death?
Yes, the prosecution claims Maree Crabtree made a fraudulent insurance claim against her son's superannuation fund for a death benefit after his death.