A teenager has been found not guilty of the murder or manslaughter of Brisbane mum Emma Lovell.
The now 18-year-old faced trial on the allegation that he had seen a knife in his co-offender’s hand and knew he was armed when the pair broke into the family home on Boxing Day in 2022.
The main offender fatally stabbed Emma and hurt her husband Lee Lovell in the struggle that followed.
The case hinged on a crucial split-second caught on CCTV.
Justice Michael Copley today ruled he could not “be satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that the accused knew the other teen was in possession of the knife”.
The teenager was found not guilty of Ms Lovell’s murder or manslaughter and also acquitted of unlawful wounding.
He was, however, found guilty of burglary and assault in company.
Outside court, Mr Lovell was emotional over the bombshell decision.
“I’m not feeling too great at the moment – the verdict was a joke,” he told reporters.
“I don’t feel justified for Emma one bit.
“You try and do the best you can for her and I don’t feel I’ve been able to do that.”
The teenager will remain behind bars until at least December 4, when he is sentenced for the assault and burglary charges.
The court today heard he has other charges already in children’s court that he will also be sentenced for on that day.
Mr Lovell said legislation needed to be changed.
“You are a part of killing someone and you get a burglary charge. What does that say for anyone going forward,” he said.
“We are the ones with a life sentence now.”
