Krystel Paul is the 31st Australian woman killed so far in 2025.
The 41-year-old small business owner was found dead with a gunshot wound on Tuesday evening at her Mount Sheridan home in Cairns. It’s been reported that her husband, James Paul, shot Krystel before turning the gun on himself.
Both of their bodies were found in different rooms inside their home.
Police said their 10-year-old daughter was potentially alerted to the “incident incoming” and left the house moments before James Paul shot Krystel and then himself. The daughter went to a neighbours’ house who called the police.
“We don’t believe she was present during the incident or witnessed any part of it; however, that doesn’t take away from how traumatising that will be for that child, family members, and friends,” Detective Acting Inspector Alina Belle said.
Krystel’s daughter reportedly told the neighbour: “My dad sent me here because she’s dead”.
Krystel and James Paul were not known to police and there was no recorded history of domestic violence-related incidents or mental health issues.
“It’s always possible that things go on behind closed doors that family, friends and police are not aware of,” Belle said.
The child is currently in the care of family members.
“This is not only a tragic occurrence for friends and family, it also significantly impacts the whole of the community,” Bell said.
It’s been reported by Sherele Moody, journalist and founder of Australian Femicide Watch, that Krystel had packed bags for and her daughter and was about to leave before the suspected murder-suicide took place.
“Krystel Paul had packed her bags, put them in the boot of her car and was walking out the door. He shot her to death,” Moody wrote on Instagram.
“This is why women don’t report. This is why women don’t leave.”
If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au.
For men concerned about their use of family violence: call Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491
In an emergency, call 000.