Triple-Murder Accused Darryl Valroy Young to Face Trial in 2026: ‘Sensitive’ Court Avoids Anniversary of Bloody Shooting
- A trial date has been set for Darryl Valroy Young, 62, accused of shooting and killing three of his neighbours in a rural property near Bowen, Queensland.
- The alleged triple murderer will face a four-week trial starting on August 10, 2026, after his defence team requested the court avoid the anniversary of the alleged incident.
- Young is accused of shooting and killing Mervyn and Maree Schwarz, and Ms Schwarz’s son Graham Tighe, and the attempted murder of Graham’s brother, Ross Tighe.
In a dramatic development, the Supreme Court in Townsville has set a trial date for Darryl Valroy Young, the 62-year-old grazier accused of a triple-fatal shooting at a rural property near Bowen, Queensland. Young will face a four-week trial starting on August 10, 2026, after his defence team requested the court avoid the anniversary of the alleged incident, which occurred on August 4, 2022.
Defence lawyer Phil Rennick told the court that discussions had been held with the prosecution, who also wanted to avoid the anniversary date. “I just want to raise that … we’re trying to be sensitive to all parties,” he said. Supreme Court Justice Christopher Johnstone agreed, saying he had planned to hold the trial on July 20, but noted the concerns of the defence and the prosecution.
The alleged triple murder occurred at a cattle property at Bogie, west of Bowen, where Young is accused of shooting and killing Mervyn and Maree Schwarz, and Ms Schwarz’s son Graham Tighe. He is also accused of attempting to murder Graham’s brother, Ross Tighe. The motive behind the alleged shooting is still unclear, but it is believed to have stemmed from a dispute between Young and his neighbours.
Young has been remanded in custody and has yet to enter a formal plea. The trial was first set down to start in July 2025, but was delayed to allow the defence more time to assess evidence. As the trial approaches, the community is still reeling from the shock of the alleged triple murder, which left three people dead and a family torn apart.
In a heartbreaking development, flowers were left in Bogie the day after the shooting incident, a poignant reminder of the lives lost and the devastating impact on the community. The trial is expected to be one of the most high-profile cases in Queensland in 2026, with many eagerly awaiting the outcome.
Young’s defence team has maintained that they are working to ensure their client receives a fair trial, while the prosecution is preparing to present its case against the alleged triple murderer. As the trial date approaches, one thing is certain – justice will be served for the victims and their families.