Mount Isa police are calling for calm after a man charged with murdering a 13-year-old girl in a hit-and-run incident over the weekend was mentioned in court.
Mount Isa man Trevor Caulton has been arrested and charged with murder after he allegedly drove a vehicle into a crowd of people, hitting and killing the girl.
Emergency services were called to the corner of Delacour Drive and Dent Street in the Mount Isa suburb of Pioneer after midnight on August 6 and treated the girl for critical head injuries.
Police confirmed she succumbed to her injuries and died at the scene.
Mr Caulton's lawyer appeared on his behalf via phone at the Mount Isa Magistrate's Court on Monday.
A full brief of evidence was being prepared and the case would appear for mention at Mount Isa Magistrate's Court on September 26.
The victim was identified and her family had been contacted, police said.
Fears of retribution prompt police warning
Police have called for calm in the community after the tragedy.
"I do have concerns about unrest in the community — this is a distressing case and this poor girl's life has been taken," said Mount Isa Police Acting Superintendent Jason Smith.
"We acknowledge the grief in the community and we implore everyone to remain calm around this incident and to assist police with the investigation.
"Sometimes in our community there can be an urge from some to seek retribution. Please know the law has been executed, the alleged offender is in jail and police have done as much as they can."
