Mental Health Concerns Loom Over Triple Tragedy in Belivah
A chilling case unfolding in Belivah, south of Brisbane, is taking a serious turn as mental health concerns cast a shadow over the alleged murders of a mother and her infant daughter. Blake Matthew Seers, the partner of the deceased and father of the child, faces grave charges, but his fitness to stand trial is now under intense scrutiny.
The horrific discovery was made on Thursday, March 12, when authorities were called to a residence in Belivah. Inside, they found Kate Paterson, 38, and her 11-month-old daughter, April, deceased. Both victims had sustained stab wounds, a stark testament to the violence that had occurred.
Witnesses reported a harrowing scene on the day of the alleged murders. They described seeing Mr. Seers, a New Zealander, running down Beaudesert Beenleigh Road, his clothes reportedly soaked in blood. Tragically, he was struck by a black utility vehicle approximately 300 metres from the family home. A disturbing trail of blood marked his path from the residence to the roadside.
It was during the process of attempting to contact Mr. Seers’ next of kin that police made the devastating discovery of Ms. Paterson and April’s bodies within the house. Mr. Seers himself was transported to hospital with serious injuries and remains under police guard as the investigation continues.
Path to the Mental Health Court
The legal proceedings have quickly shifted focus towards Mr. Seers’ mental state. During a brief court mention on Tuesday at Beenleigh Magistrates Court, defence lawyer Ivan Sayad indicated that his client would be seeking a psychological assessment. This assessment is a crucial step in potentially moving the case to the Mental Health Court.
Mr. Seers did not make a personal appearance in court, nor did he participate via video link, underscoring the current severity of his condition. In Queensland, the legal framework allows for criminal matters to be transferred to the Mental Health Court if a defendant is determined to have been of unsound mind at the time of the alleged offences and consequently unfit to stand trial. It is important to note that reporting on matters before the Mental Health Court is subject to significant restrictions.
Speaking outside the courthouse, Mr. Sayad provided a brief update on his client’s recovery, stating that Mr. Seers was recuperating slowly in hospital. He emphasised that the matters at hand were “very sensitive” and would require a considerable amount of time to progress through the legal system.
Further details emerged regarding Mr. Seers’ medical history. In Brisbane the previous week, defence lawyer Nicholas Andrews disclosed that Mr. Seers had a pre-existing diagnosis of “a schizoaffective disorder.” This information is likely to be a central element in the upcoming psychological assessment.
Legal Timelines and Future Proceedings
Despite the ongoing complexities, the legal process is advancing. At Tuesday’s court mention, a brief of evidence for both charges was formally ordered. This comprehensive file is expected to be delivered to the defence by June 3, 2026.
Mr. Seers is scheduled to make his next appearance in Beenleigh Magistrates Court on June 24, 2026. By this date, it is anticipated that more clarity will be available regarding his fitness for trial and the potential trajectory of the case towards the Mental Health Court. The community remains deeply affected by this tragedy, awaiting answers and justice for Kate Paterson and baby April.
