Captain Denies Murder (Press, 24 April 1981)

An Army captain named Anthony Elliott Cremer is currently on trial for the murder of his New Zealand friend, Anthony James Burke, in Brisbane. Cremer, aged 31, has pleaded not guilty to the charges. Burke, aged 53 at the time of his death, was found deceased at the base of Mount Cordeaux, about 120 km west of Brisbane, on 26 July 1979. During the trial on 24 April 1981, Cremer testified that he was aware of Burke's threats to expose him as a homosexual but believed Burke would not follow through with them. Cremer stated that he had known Burke well enough to understand that these threats were not serious. He speculated that Burke might have felt jealousy over Cremer's boarding arrangements with another man, but discussions between the two had since become amicable. Despite some differences typical in friendships, Cremer expressed that his affection for Burke remained strong and that their relationship did not deteriorate prior to Burke's death. Cremer dismissed the suggestion that fear of exposure led him to murder Burke as "ludicrous". He further revealed that he only learned after Burke's death that he was the primary beneficiary in Burke's will. The trial is presided over by Justice Matthews, and proceedings are expected to continue.

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