Canberra Woman Faces Attempted Murder Charge While Investigated for Second Death
A 37-year-old Canberra woman accused of attempting to kill a man by repeatedly stabbing him with a steak knife is now under investigation for the alleged murder of a second person, the ACT Magistrates Court has heard.
Court Appearance Reveals Expanded Police Investigation
Olivia Kajkic, 37, appeared before the ACT Magistrates Court on Wednesday January 21, 2026, where prosecutor Tahlia Drumgold revealed that police were seeking to forensically examine Kajkic in relation to an "investigation into a charge of murder." The woman is yet to enter a plea to the recently laid attempted murder charge relating to an incident at her Lowanna Street unit in Braddon on January 5, 2026.
During her court appearance, Kajkic was observed swivelling on her chair at the bar table, chewing her lip, and looking at people sitting in the public gallery. The attempted murder charge alleges that Kajkic took a steak knife from her kitchen and stabbed the alleged victim multiple times. Police arrived at the complex shortly after and discovered the man outside bleeding heavily before he was transported to hospital.
Second Death Investigation at Same Braddon Unit
It is understood that Kajkic is being investigated over the "suspicious" death of a 44-year-old man who was found at the same Braddon unit less than a month before the alleged attempted murder. In December 2025, investigators confirmed that a 37-year-old woman was present when officers arrived at the scene and was assisting police with their inquiries at that time.
The connection between the two incidents at the same residential address has raised significant questions about the circumstances surrounding both cases. Police tape was seen surrounding the apartment block in Braddon where the man was found dead in December 2025, indicating an active crime scene investigation.
Mental Health Concerns Raised in Court
Legal Aid lawyer Ellie Wallis appeared as amicus curiae, or friend of the court, and expressed serious concerns about Kajkic's mental health after speaking with her in the cells. Ms Wallis told the court that the woman had not been receiving her medication for anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder while in jail on remand.
"I think it is quite a difficult situation to be in with the nature of her presentation," Ms Wallis stated. She further revealed that Kajkic had indicated she planned to enter a plea of guilty to the attempted murder charge without having received proper legal advice or having seen police documents.
Court Adjourns for Legal Advice and Instructions
Magistrate Alexandra Burt adjourned the forensic applications to allow Legal Aid to obtain proper instructions from Kajkic and for the woman to receive appropriate legal advice. "It can be determined in a week without any real prejudice," Ms Burt said, describing the situation as "a balancing exercise in terms of considering the defendant's participation in the process."
Kajkic is scheduled to return to court later this month as both investigations continue to develop. The case highlights complex legal and mental health considerations within the ACT justice system.
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