Michael Kurt Pringle refuses to face court after charged over the death of girlfriend Krystle Monks

A man charged with the murder of his girlfriend, a 19-year-old cafe worker, has refused to appear in court.

Michael Kurt Pringle, 21, was arrested on Friday six days after Krystle Monks was found unconscious in a house in Bundamba, Queensland, last Saturday.

The father-of-one, who had been dating Ms Monks, was due to appear in court in Brisbane on Saturday.

However, his lawyer, Caroline Hunter, told the court that her client had “asked not to be brought to court.”

Magistrate Deborah Vasta responded: “He is supposed to be brought before a court at the first court date.”

The matter was adjourned to March 31, and Pringle was taken into custody.

Ms Monks (pictured) was rushed to Brisbane’s Princess Alexandra Hospital in critical condition, where she died of severe head injuries the following night.

He had initially allegedly told police that his partner fell out of bed and sustained head injuries.

She was rushed to Brisbane Princess Alexandra Hospital in critical condition, where she died of severe head injuries the following night.

Ms. Monks was just two weeks away from celebrating her 20th birthday with her loved ones.

Pringle has been charged with murder (crime of domestic violence), possession of dangerous drugs and possession of used drug implements.

On Saturday morning, Detective Acting Superintendent Larissa Miller said the investigation focused on domestic violence.

“Because of their relationship, we are investigating this matter as a domestic family violence homicide,” he said.

‘The aspect of violence in a domestic environment will be one aspect of the investigation.

“Our thoughts are with the family of Ms. Monks who, as you can understand, are still incredibly distraught and upset over the loss of their loved one.”

He also read a statement on behalf of Ms. Monk’s family.

‘Forever young, always beautiful, be kind’

Michael Kurt Pringle (pictured), who had been dating Mrs. Monks, initially told police that he fell out of bed and sustained head injuries.

Ms Monks’ grieving family described her as ‘forever young’ on social media frequently using the hashtag, ‘forever 19’.

The family has started a GoFundMe page to cover the cost of their loved one’s funeral.

“Krystle was a loving, kind and caring soul who loved her little dog ‘Blackie’ and worked very hard in her role as barista/cook,” the page says.

‘Krystle had high aspirations in life and always pushed herself to do more. She put a smile on the faces of everyone she came in contact with.

“Krystle was always happy to have a chat with anyone in need and to provide love and support to her family and friends.”

Operation Victor Fluorite was created to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of young cafe wotker (in the photo, police on scene)

It is understood that Ms Monks worked as a barista at the Coffee Club in Ipswich.

Investigations are ongoing and detectives are calling on those who knew Ms. Monks, who may have information that could help the investigations, to come forward.

Ms. Monks died less than three weeks before her 20th birthday.

Heartbroken friends and family have since shared moving tributes to the young woman who attended Bundamba State Secondary College and worked as a barista at Coffee Club Ipswich.

Her father, Steven Taylor, revealed this week that the family was “heartbroken”.

Asked how the family would like Ms. Monks to be remembered, she said: “Forever young, forever beautiful.”