Steve Fabriczy has altered his plea in the ACT Supreme Court regarding his involvement in the cold case murder of Irma Palasics, a 73-year-old Canberra grandmother who was killed in 1999. Initially, he pleaded not guilty to all charges including murder, forcible confinement, and burglary, but has now admitted to entering the Palasics home with the intention to steal, while maintaining that he was merely a lookout and did not participate in the murder.

The trial, which involves both Fabriczy and co-accused Joseph Vekony, is set to take place over the course of three to six weeks. The prosecution alleges that both men not only murdered Irma Palasics but also assaulted and restrained her husband, Gregor, before stealing valuables from their home, including jewelry and cash. The cold case has resurfaced decades later, shedding new light on the events surrounding the crime.

The implications of this trial are significant, as it may bring closure to a longstanding unresolved case within the Canberra community and provide tangible answers regarding the events of that fateful day in 1999. With Fabriczy's admission regarding the burglary charge, the prosecution will likely use this to build a case against both men, while the defense may argue the extent of Fabriczy's involvement to mitigate his culpability in the murder of Irma Palasics.