A 23-year-old woman and 45-year-old man were found dead inside a rural Queensland home in the early hours of Thursday morning, with a complex investigation now underway to determine what happened, including whether it was an alleged murder-suicide.
Emergency services were called to a property on King Street in Charleville in the state’s south-west at 6pm on Wednesday after reports of a “serious” assault.
Surrounding streets around the property were put into a lockdown when an emergency declaration was issued. This lasted for about eight hours, according to police.
After a stand-off, specialist police entered the property just before 1.45am on Thursday, to find the bodies of the man and woman.
A toddler was removed from the property and taken to hospital with a minor leg injury.
The woman has been identified as Julia Brunsdon. While some media reports have suggested the 23-year-old woman was pregnant, a police spokesperson was not able to confirm this.
The man has been identified as Michael Waltke.
Queensland Police confirmed it is still working to understand the circumstances of the violent crime, saying it would be investigated by the Ethical Standards Command, and a report is being prepared for the coroner.
Speaking to the media, assistant police commissioner Matthew Vanderbyl said it was a “complex investigation” and it was too early to confirm if it was domestic violence-related. The relationship between the man and woman has not yet been determined.
“It’s probably too early to speculate whether it’s DV related at this stage,” he said.
“We’re still advising the next of kin of the persons involved.
“We’re still to fully establish the circumstances of who the deceased persons were and their role in the community.”
Vanderbyl said it was a violent crime scene.
“I understand the situation became quite dynamic and quite threatening to police quite quickly and that they withdrew to a point of safety,” he said.
Murweh Shire Council Mayor Shaun Radnedge said it was a heartbreaking day for Charleville.
“My thoughts, and the thoughts of our councillors and staff, are with the families, friends and everyone affected by the deaths of a man and a woman in a Charleville residence overnight,” he said in a statement
“This tragedy will be felt deeply across our small community. I know many people will be struggling to come to terms with what has happened.”
Support is available from the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service at 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).
If you or someone you know is in need of support contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.
In an emergency dial 000.