Queensland police say an argument allegedly broke out on a Darling Downs street moments before a man was hit by a car on Christmas night.
Police allege Callum Anthony Padraic Cook, 30, deliberately drove his car into 55-year-old Russell Klein at his home at Millmerran, south of Toowoomba, about 9:30pm.
Speaking during a press conference outside Toowoomba police station on Wednesday, Detective Senior Sergeant Paul McCusker said Mr Cook allegedly visited a house next to Mr Klein's on Commens Street.
He said a short argument broke out between the accused and an occupant of Mr Klein's house.
He alleged Mr Cook then drove his car across the front footpath into into Mr Klein's property, hitting Mr Klein and fatally injuring him.
Mr Cook allegedly ran from the scene and was found in a nearby park about 4am on Boxing Day.
"At this stage, we do not believe they [Mr Cook and Mr Klein] knew each other," Detective Senior Sergeant McCusker said.
Mr Cook faced the Toowoomba Magistrates Court on Tuesday, with his family in attendance.
He is charged with one count each of murder, authority required to possess explosives, driving without a licence as a repeat offender, possessing utensils or pipes that had been used, and unlawful possession of a weapon.
Mr Cook was remanded in custody and is due to appear in court again in late February.
Detective Senior Sergeant McCusker said he was not able to disclose whether anyone was armed during the alleged incident.
Police have appealed to anyone with information or dashcam footage of a Honda Odyssey wagon they say was involved to come forward.
'Always had a smile on his face'
The small town of Millmerran was left in shock by the events.
Mr Klein left behind his fiance Janene Hall, as well as four children and grandchildren.
A GoFundMe set up for his family raised more than $9,000 in 13 hours.
Organiser Lara Ruhle posted on the fundraising page that Mr Klein would be missed not only by family and friends, but the wider community.
"Russ was someone who had a heart of gold and would help anyone down on their luck, always with a big welcoming smile," Ms Ruhle wrote.
Receiving the news was a tragic surprise to his family and people who knew him, close family friend Summa Wirth told the ABC.
"It’s going to be so hard to just try and remember all the good memories because there is so much heartache to what has happened," she said.
"He will forever be missed and we will always continue to tell his stories.
Millmerran local and colleague Steve Reid said Mr Klein's character was one of a unique larrikin.
"He was a typical knock-around Aussie bloke. We loved having him around," he said.
"He was a keen sportsman, playing rugby league into his 50s so he could play with his sons.
"Loved sport, worked hard and always had a joke for you."
Millmerran local Nikki Macqueen said it would leave a hole in the town.
"The absolute tragedy that took place in Millmerran on Christmas Day has rocked us all to our core," Ms Macqueen said.
